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Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 13 Dec 1979

Vol. 317 No. 9

Written Answers. - Heating of Schools.

47.

asked the Minister for Education, in the event of heating oil becoming scarce or unavailable during the present school year, the steps intended to ensure adequate supplies to educational schools and colleges.

48.

asked the Minister for Education if it is intended to change the school year in the event of an insufficient supply of heating oil being available for school needs and if he will make a statement on the matter.

49.

asked the Minister for Education if, in view of the recent order of the Minister for Industry, Commerce and Energy curtailing heating oil supplies to schools, he will give an assurance that schools will have sufficient oil in the present school year and will not have to close for any period and if he will make a statement on the matter.

50.

asked the Minister for Education if he will secure the agreement of teaching parental and managerial organisations before making any change in the length for present first or second level school terms in order to conserve heating oil.

With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take questions numbered 47, 48, 49 and 50 together.

I have had discussions with the Minister for Industry, Commerce and Energy in connection with the question of ensuring adequate supplies of heating oil for schools and colleges. The relevant order made by the Minister specified education as one of the areas to which priority should be given in connection with the distribution of oil. This arrangement, together with reasonable measures of conservation, should enable the needs of the schools to be met during the heating season.

Circulars have been issued to school authorities recommending measures in relation to conservation of fuel.

Should further conservation measures prove necessary the Department will initiate such further consultations with management and teacher interests as may be considered appropriate.

It is not envisaged at present that it should be necessary to adjust the period of operation of the schools.

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