asked the Minister for Education if she will clarify the position regarding the development of Cloonfour national school, County Roscommon.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Roscommon National School Development.
13.
In view of the age and general condition of Cloonfour national school, the question of the future provision of educational facilities in the area is being examined further at present. The views of the board of management and other local interests have been sought and when these are received in the Department, a decision will be made as soon as possible.
I am pleased to learn that no arbitrary decision has been made in this case. There was general fear in the area that Cloonfour national school was about to be closed. I should like the Minister to state the policy as announced by him in relation to the retention of two-teacher schools. We in Fianna Fáil have been clear as to where we stand on that issue. I wish to convey to the Minister——
The Deputy may not convey anything to the Minister but he may ask a question.
I wish to inform him also——
The Chair must point out that the Deputy must not convey information to the Minister at Question Time but the Deputy may do his best to elicit information.
Is the Minister aware of the widespread opposition that would result from any move to close the school in question? I can tell him that any such move would be opposed by the parents, by the teachers and by myself as the local representative.
The first part of the Deputy's question represents a separate matter in respect of which he would need to table another question. Regarding the second part of the question, the matter of the amalgamation of the school concerned with another school has been under discussion for a long time. I understand that there is local opposition in this regard. I have given the Deputy the information he sought. The Department are waiting for further information on the matter and when that has been received I will be in a position to give the Deputy more information.