asked the Minister for Education if he will permit Knocks national school, Killasser, Swinford, County Mayo to remain open.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Mayo Schools.
13.
Mr. R. Burke
The Department is fully satisfied that the educational interests of the pupils of both Killasser and Knocks Schools could best be served by closing Knocks national school and by establishing a transport service to convey the children concerned to Killasser national school. It has, accordingly, been decided to close Knocks national school on 30th June, 1975.
In this case the Minister is aware that an inspector visited Knocks national school and that the vast majority of the parents want the school kept open. Would the Minister not now accede to the wishes of the parents in this case?
Mr. R. Burke
As the Deputy will know, the Department do not necessarily automatically accept parents' objections. The Department have to assess the worth of the objections. The parents' objections have been considered but they do not outweigh other considerations in the matter and, therefore, I cannot give the Deputy the assurance he seeks.
Will the Minister let us know what are the other considerations? Quite a number of extensions will be needed at Killasser national school, to the actual school and to the playground area which is totally inadequate. There is a good school at Knocks. Will the Minister not allow that school to remain open?
Mr. R. Burke
The Deputy asked me for some of the considerations. First, it is a one-teacher school with a declining average: secondly, there is an empty classroom in the Killasser school; thirdly, the Killasser building is in better shape having central heating and flush toilets whereas the school at Knocks still has dry toilets; fourthly, the new curriculum can be put into operation in the amalgamated three-teacher school. There are other considerations also.
The Deputy is aware of the other considerations. They cannot be mentioned in this House.
14.
asked the Minister for Education if he will agree with the decision of the parents and allow Creevagh national school, Carramore, Lacken, Ballina, County Mayo to remain open.
Mr. R. Burke
As I explained in my reply to the Deputy on 15th November, 1974, the amalgamation of Creevagh and Carramore schools, to form a three-teacher unit, would, it is considered, be to the educational advantage of the pupils concerned.
Creevagh school building has been recommended for replacement and, as it is a small two-teacher school, grants would not be available for this purpose. Consideration is being given, in consultation with the school manager, to the question of providing an additional classroom at Carramore in order to effect the amalgamation of these two schools.
In this instance the Minister received from me the signatures of all the parents of the pupils attending Creevagh national school requesting that the school remain open. Would the Minister not abide by the wishes of the parents, as he has frequently said in this House? Further, will he let me know if the manager has written requesting that the school remain open? There is a new manager in the school.
Mr. R. Burke
What the Deputy says is correct. I have personally been involved in this case. As there are long-term proposals for reorganisation in the parish, we will bear in mind the representations of the manager and the parents. We still consider our proposal for amalgamation is the best one in the situation but we are not prepared to go to the stake for it at this point.
15.
asked the Minister for Education his plans in relation to Tauneena national school, Charlestown, County Mayo.
Mr. R. Burke
The question of the reorganisation of the school facilities in this parish is at present being considered. A decision has not yet been taken in the matter.
Would the Minister consider asking an inspector to call to discuss the matter with the parents? After a meeting held recently they asked me to convey that request to the Minister.
Mr. R. Burke
The inspector is closely in touch with the school in question and he is advising the Department. If the Deputy can advance any reasons why an inspector should go specifically to this area I should like to hear them.
As £2,000 was spent on the school two years ago, the parents would like an inspector to come and discuss the matter with them.
Mr. R. Burke
I will give consideration to the Deputy's suggestion in view of the Department's advice already received in the matter.
16.
asked the Minister for Education if he has sanctioned plans for the extension to Ballina vocational school, County Mayo.
Mr. R. Burke
An outline plan for this extension has been submitted by the vocational education committee. Because of the nature of the site it has been found necessary to undertake a special study in order to decide the most economic approach to the next phase of building. It is hoped that the results of this study will be available soon and plans can then be finalised.
Did the Minister say one plan had been received?
Mr. R. Burke
Yes. The VEC have already submitted an outline plan showing the approach favoured by them.
Will the Minister state if the VEC also submitted a report from a quantity surveyor saying the plan submitted by the VEC was the cheaper of the two plans prepared by the architect?
Mr. R. Burke
Because of the nature of the terrain it is necessary for the VEC to initiate a feasibility study. I understand this feasibility study will be completed shortly and submitted. I have not yet received it.
Will the Minister state if the guarantee that work would start in late 1975 still holds?
Mr. R. Burke
We are aiming for the end of 1975 but in view of the delay, which was not caused necessarily by my Department, it might be better to say early 1976.