asked the Minister for Education if he is aware that children from East Meath have been refused secondary education unless they reach a certain standard according to the secondary schools in Drogheda and unless they have this standard are not provided with any second-level education; and if he will ensure that secondary education will be provided for these children.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Meath Secondary Education.
21.
I have no precise information that the position is as implied in the question but I am having the position investigated. If the Deputy would let me have particulars of any case. I will have it examined in connection with this investigation.
That reply is very unsatisfactory. Since the question was tabled last week one would have expected that the Minister would have had the matter investigated. I can tell the Minister that the schools in Drogheda are crowded and that screening of applicants for secondary education is being undertaken.
May we have a question, please?
Is the Minister aware that those children who are not very bright may not be accepted for places in the secondary schools and has he any suggestions as to what is to become of them if they are refused second-level education?
I regret that the Deputy found the answer unsatisfactory. If the question had been more precise we could have got the information sought. This matter has been raised with my Department by both Deputies Crinion and Faulkner—in the case of Deputy Faulkner it was raised by way of letter—and the position in Drogheda is being examined urgently.
If I submit the question again next week, will the Minister be in a position to reply?
If the question is accepted by the Ceann Comhairle for next week's Order Paper I shall endeavour to answer it.
Will the Chair accept the question again next week?
I will look into the matter.