asked the Minister for Education if he is aware that pupils in the first and second standards of Golden National School, County Tipperary, are studying in appalling conditions in the supper room of the parish hall, and that the remainder of the pupils have to contend with cramped, over-crowded conditions in the school itself; and if he will sanction the erection of two extra classrooms and a general purpose room which are the minimum requirements.
Written Answers. - National Schools.
232.
A recent survey by a senior inspector of my Department indicates a continuing decline in the attendance at this school. As a result, accommodation in five rooms is considered to be sufficient for the present and future requirements. The Commissioners of Public Works are, accordingly, being authorised to proceed with the arrangements already approved for the provision of a classroom and a general purpose room in addition to the three existing classrooms.
233.
asked the Minister for Education when construction of a new school will commence in Canovee, County Cork.
I understand that the Commissioners of Public Works expect to be in a position shortly to invite tenders for the erection of the new national school at Canovee. I am not in a position at this stage to say when building work will commence.
234.
asked the Minister for Education if, in view of the parents' wishes, he is prepared to keep open Newtown National School, Moycullen, County Galway.
As over 90 per cent of the parents of the children attending Newtown National School agreed in 1971 to sending their children to a new central school in Moycullen, the proposed new school was planned so as to cater for the Newtown children.
A contract for the erection of the new school has been placed and building work commenced last September. In the circumstances it is not open to me to consider any alterations at this stage in the scheme for the centralisation of the educational facilities of the area in this new school.