asked the Minister for Education if it has been decided to close two-teacher or three-teacher schools; the guidelines used in making such a decision; and if she will ensure that the wishes of the parents of the pupils involved are fully considered, before any such closure takes place.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - School Closures.
10.
As indicated in the Programme for Action in Education the policy of amalgamation of small national schools continues in force. The factors usually taken into account in such cases are the location, age and condition of the schools concerned, as well as the present and prospective pupil enrolments. Regard is also had to the views of school management, parents and teachers. I assure the Deputy that these considerations will continue to apply.
Is the Minister's policy as expressed in the Programme for Action in Education one of rationalisation per se or is it a form of flexible rationalisation where demanded by the community, and seems to be fruitful for the pupils affected?
The policy outlined in the action programme is a continuation of the policy which has been followed for some considerable time. Decisions are made on educational grounds to improve schooling for the students.
The point I wanted to ascertain, because it is not clear in the action plan, was, is the policy of rationalisation to be accepted per se or will it be proceeded with in a flexible fashion taking into account the local interests of all concerned?
It will be proceeded with in a flexible fashion as heretofore. There is no change in policy.
Mr. Fitzgerald
What regard do the Department propose to give to the views of parents in this area?
Full consultation with parents, managers and teachers always takes place in this area.
If it is established that the parents as a body feel it would be undesirable to proceed with a particular programme of amalgamation, would it be a decision of the Department to honour that wish?
I would not like to involve myself in hypothetical cases but if the Deputy has a particular case in mind I would be very glad to assist him.
I am merely trying to establish the weight the Department are willing to give the views of the community. Every time a case comes up for consideration for amalgamation this is an issue which is very important. Could the Minister outline the Department's attitude in that regard more clearly?
She answered that question by saying that every case would be considered.
I asked what weight the Department give to the attitude of parents if they feel it is undesirable that amalgamation should proceed. I am aware of educational arguments, and there are many, but what stand would she take in that instance?
It is very obvious from Question Time today——
Am I to take it from her silence that the Minister is not prepared.
I will not say any more than this: it is very obvious listening to Question Time today that there is a right and a wrong way of putting questions. I suggest that the Deputy consider that.
I would like to clarify the point. I would not dream of coming out with a point system about whose views would have priority over others because that would be a recipe for disaster but I can assure the Deputy that the views of parents are an extremely important factor in deciding any question of school amalgamation.
The parents' attitude is extremely important?
Yes, very important.
I take it that the Chair was addressing me when he said there was a right and a wrong way to ask questions. Have I been asking questions in a way which is not in keeping with the tradition of the House?
You are inclined to make statements, you have not been offensive. I suggest you listen to Deputy O'Dea.
Thank you, a Cheann Comhairle. If there is a right and a wrong way of asking questions, there is also a right and a wrong way of answering them. Could you apply the same standards to the Minister as you apply to this side of the House?
The Chair has no control over how a Minister answers a question.
That is very odd. You have control over us but not over the Minister.
Deputy O'Rourke has been a Member of this House for comparatively short time and obviously she will take steps to right that situation. I have to implement the procedures as I find them.
Is it the general policy of the Government to close these schools wherever possible? I do not think she answered the part of the question which asked what guidelines were used when making a decision, and what numbers we are talking about. Are the guidelines the same in urban as in rural areas?
I answered that fully in my original answer. The factors usually taken into account are the location, age and condition of the schools concerned, as well as the present and prospective pupil enrolment. Regard is also had to the views of school management, parents and teachers. I assure the Deputy that those considerations which have applied in the past under his Governments will continue to apply and have not been changed.
A Cheann Comhairle——
This is positively the final question.
Is it the general policy of the Government to close these schools whenever possible?
No.
A Cheann Comhairle——
We must move on. We have been at this for a long time and the Deputy will get an opportunity again.
In view of the Chair's refusal to allow me to ask one supplementary question, I give notice that I intend to raise this matter on the Adjournment.
The Chair will communicate with the Deputy. When I say we are taking the last question, it must be the last question or I would not count for anything.
It does not always apply.
It does.