asked the Minister for Education if it is now the policy of his Department to close all three-teacher national schools.
71.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - National Schools.
70.
asked the Minister for Education when the Government approved of the amalgamation of national schools.
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle I propose to take Questions Nos. 70 and 71 together.
When introducing my Estimate on 23rd October, 1973, I gave a statement of policy in regard to the amalgamation of small schools. This statement was circulated with the Official Report on 12th December, 1974, in reply to a question from the Deputy as to "the primary consideration which governs the closure of national schools."
The amalgamation of small schools, which had been a feature of the educational policy of successive Governments over the years was given an impetus in 1966, mainly as a result of the valuable OECD, Investment in Education report, which of course refers specifically to Ireland. It is basically a sound policy from the educational point of view and in its economic aspects. The implementation of an aspect of policy such as this does not demand specific Government approval. It is, however, an element of approved Government educational policy.
In the tabular statement the Minister issued he stated that three-teacher schools could be closed. I should like an assurance that when the schools are closed in June the Department will not be silent about the matter. What happens is that they send an inspector in August to tell the people that the school is to be closed. That happened in my constituency last July and I want an assurance that there will not be a recurrence. The Parliamentary Secretary seems to be rather mixed up about what it is intended to do with regard to the closure of schools. A school with five pupils has been opened but it appears to be the policy to close three-teacher schools.
I should not like to go into that matter with the Deputy. He explored it at some length on a previous occasion.
I got no reply.
I should like to draw the attention of the Deputy to what the Minister said: that the same considerations that apply to one- and two-teacher schools apply to three-teacher schools where there is a declining average enrolment, and where there is the prospect that it will not remain a school of that size. It does not apply in general to three-teacher schools but only where there is a declining enrolment.
Will the Parliamentary Secretary state if there are any such three-teacher schools in the Laois-Offaly area?
I do not have such information. The question did not refer specifically either to Laois or to Offaly.
There are three-teacher schools in Laois-Offaly.
The Deputy is giving information. He is not asking a question.
The people in my area are worried about the policy of the Department. Since the Government opened Dún Chaoin school it seems they have decided to adopt the amalgamation policy not only with regard to two-teacher schools but also three-teacher schools. I realise it is not the fault of the Parliamentary Secretary but the Minister tried to pull a quick one on me in December when he issued a tabular statement. He knew that he would be questioned in the House if he gave us the information. I want an assurance that three-teacher schools will not be closed until the management and the parents are consulted.
I can assure the House that in every case where it is contemplated closing a school the management and the parents are consulted in advance about the plans the Department have with regard to education in their area.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that when Esker school was closed the management and the parents were not told? An inspector was sent by the Department——
We cannot have any further supplementaries on this question. The Deputy must allow Question Time to proceed. I am calling Question No. 72.
72.
asked the Minister for Education the primary consideration which governs the building of new national schools.
New schools may be divided into two categories: new buildings in replacement of existing premises which are no longer suitable for use as national schools, and new schools to serve areas of growing population where primary educational facilities do not exist or where such facilities as may exist are inadequate.
In both instances the primary consideration is that there is in fact a need for a new national school and that, if so, a suitable site can be provided.
In the educational interests of the children the provision of new buildings for one-teacher and two-teacher schools is undertaken only in the most exceptional circumstances.
The overall primary consideration which governs the building of new national schools in this country is to provide within the resources available the best possible accommodation and facilities for primary education.