asked the Minister for Education the number of (a) one-teacher and (b) two-teacher primary schools in operation; and if he will state Government policy in relation to the continuance of these schools.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Primary Schools.
8.
On 30th September, 1976, the latest date for which statistics are available, there were 172 one-teacher and 1,135 two-teacher schools in operation.
I am satisfied that no new one-or two-teacher schools should be built except in exceptional circumstances, for example, on islands or where there is a small number of children of a particular denomination who cannot otherwise be suitably catered for. Where amalgamation is pending, no grants are available to modernise small schools by providing electricity for heating and light and water for lavatories and other sanitary facilities.
Could the Minister indicate his policy in relation to existing one-and two-teacher primary schools? Does he intend to amalgamate more of these schools in the future?
The Deputy could gather from my reply that I consider one-and two-teacher schools to be inadequate in the context of the new curriculum in primary schools. The Deputy mentioned technology, which is one aspect of the matter. We cannot provide expensive technological aids in a scatter of small schools. There are many other facilities which we cannot provide where the schools are very small. This being so, it is not my intention to build any more two-teacher schools.
In view of the Minister's belief that exceptional circumstances can exist where there is a small number of people of a particular denomination, would he accept that exceptional circumstances might exist in regard to a small number of people with a particular linguistic attitude, for example, towards the need for schools in the Irish language.
Yes, I would agree.
Does the Minister's reply mean that the future of one-and two-teacher schools, in rural areas in particular, cannot be guaranteed and that the pressure from the Minister and his Department will be towards amalgamation and the closing of these schools?
A Ceann Comhairle, I am not aware of using the word "pressure".
Would the Minister indicate his view of the matter?
I have already done so.
Is the Minister in favour of closing these schools?
In a particular area, parish or half parish, where there is a question of deterioration of facilities I will take consultation with all the people concerned, parents and so on, and come to a conclusion. I will not push or bully people into any situation. The principle upon which I will act will be a good education in rural Ireland which happens to interest me particularly being a product of rural Ireland.
If local people are not in favour of closing a school will the Minister give an undertaking that there will be no pressure by way of withdrawal of grants or otherwise to put them in the situation that the school has to be closed?
Supplementaries are being repeated.
Can I take it from the Minister's reply that he will not use the method of denying finance to one-teacher and two-teacher schools in an effort to force them to close? Can I take it that in no circumstances will that method be used to force them to close?
As I said, the principle upon which I will act will be the provision of, in modern terms, a good education in a rural area. Whatever decisions flow from that first principle I will adhere to.
In view of the Minister's reply to an earlier supplementary, that he considers that in modern times with the necessity for modern technological assistance to education it would be impossible to provide these in one and two-teacher schools, is his mind moving in the direction of phasing these out?
The Minister is caught.
I am not caught. I want to read the file in front of me.
Is the Minister adhering to the old Fianna Fáil policy or is he changing it?
The old Fianna Fáil policy deserved well of education. The Deputy knows that well, as do professional educationalists.
The Ceann Comhairle did not think that when he occupied the Opposition benches in the last four years.
For the future my Department will continue to initiate action in these cases of amalgamation but their role will be to discuss the pros and cons with the local interests in each area in the light of the particular situation in that area. Where local people wish to retain the existing small schools that position will be accepted by my Department and where appropriate grants will be made available to modernise schools. That statement was made by my predecessor and I agree with it. I agree that where amalgamations had already started we continue with it but that we consult wherever there are any other difficulties. Where money has already been spent there is no question of going back.