asked the Minister for Education if he is aware that there will be no places in post-primary schools available to the majority of pupils seeking them on leaving a school (name supplied) in Raheny, Dublin this year; and if he has any plans to deal with this situation.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Raheny (Dublin) Schools.
12.
I understand that about 25 per cent of pupils leaving this particular national school have been unable to obtain places in second-level schools in the immediate locality. The question of the provision to be made for those pupils is being investigated by my Department in consultation with the management authorities of the secondary schools in the area.
First, I should like to ask why the name of the school was omitted from my question. I can understand why the names of individuals are not given in Parliamentary Questions but up to now I had not experienced the procedure of omitting the names of schools. Perhaps either you, a Cheann Comhairle, or the Minister would indicate why the name, St. Benedict's, was deleted from the question?
I understand that this is customary practice in regard to schools. However, now that the Deputy has mentioned it, he has brought the name of the school to the notice of Dáil Éireann.
I am not aware of that practice and I cannot see any reason for it. Everybody in the area concerned is aware that the children from St. Benedict's school, Raheny, cannot find places in secondary schools, but leaving that for a moment, can the Minister indicate that he will have arrangements made to have these pupils accommodated? Is he aware of the considerable and widespread anxiety that exists among parents who have to contemplate a situation where their children cannot find places in secondary schools on leaving primary schools in the area?
I can assure the Deputy that the pupils in question will be accommodated in second level schools. I am also aware of the anxieties of the parents.
Will the Minister undertake to inform me of the arrangements made?
I will. I undertake to do that.
13.
asked the Minister for Education if he is aware that there is serious overcrowding in a school (name supplied) in Raheny, Dublin; and if he will take steps to ensure some reasonable level of pupil/teacher ratio in this school.
I am aware of the problem and am arranging to have possible remedies discussed with the board of management.
Will the Minister also inform me of these arrangements?
I will.