Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 14 Feb 1996

Vol. 461 No. 5

Adjournment Debate. - Cork Second-Level School Places.

Mr. Martin

I raise this matter on the Adjournment to highlight the trauma and anxiety experienced by parents and children in the Ballyphehane-Greenmount area due to the failure in early January to offer them second-level school places in their immediate catchment area. Eleven children were denied places in second-level schools in the Ballyphehane area and three in the Greenmount area. A similar problem arose last year, with more than 30 children failing to secure places. Considerable distress and anger was caused and the problem was eventually resolved following prolonged agitation and negotiation. I was involved in discussions, as was the Department, with the parties concerned and was of the understanding that arrangements were made which would avoid a recurrence of similar difficulties this year.

Unfortunately, difficulties arose again this year. We should never underestimate the worry and emotional upset caused to children in these circumstances. When they return from school anxiously asking their distressed parents if the letter of acceptance from the secondary school has arrived, a negative reply results in an enormous sense of exclusion for them and reduces their self-esteem and confidence. They wonder what they did wrong.

Since I first tabled this question places have been secured for the children involved. I urge the Minister to ensure a similar problem does not arise next year. Satisfactory arrangements should be put in place to ensure children do not have to suffer such trauma again. Children should not be used as pawns. I am not sure why there was an apparent stand-off in this instance between the parties involved and the Department. I thought that since the matter had been discussed last year and it was articulated that this would not happen again, it was satisfactorily resolved. I hope the Minister will assure me that arrangements are in place to ensure the problem does not arise again next year.

Minister of State at the Department of Education (Mr. Allen)

I thank Deputy Martin for raising this matter. The Deputy will be aware that last year a similar problem arose for some 30 sixth class pupils, all boys, leaving primary schools in the Ballyphehane, Greenmount, Togher and Glasheen areas of Cork city in securing second level school places for September 1995. In response, my Department held consultations with all the relevant school authorities, primary and post-primary, with a view to identifying the full scope of the problem and to seek their active co-operation in ensuring that all the children concerned would be accommodated. As a result of these consultations, sufficient places were made available in second level schools in the area for all the children concerned.

In order to avoid a repeat of this problem in the lead up to the next school year, my Department has been closely monitoring the position with a view to establishing the demand for, and the availability of, second level places in the area for next September. This process has involved regular consultation with the local primary and post-primary school authorities.

The information available to my Department earlier this month indicated that of the 130 boys approximately in the general area seeking second level places for next September, ten or 11 from the Morning Star and Greenmount primary schools were still unplaced. However, I am pleased to inform the Deputy that further contacts with the local post-primary schools have resulted in places being secured in their local community for all these children. I wish to take this opportunity also to say that my Department appreciates very much the co-operation and goodwill demonstrated by the post-primary schools concerned in resolving this problem. The question of adequate post-primary provision in future years for this area of Cork city will be kept under review by my Department.