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Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 15 Feb 1996

Vol. 461 No. 6

Adjournment Debate. - Moville (Donegal) School.

I thank the Minister of State, Deputy Allen, for being here again in the absence of the Minister for Education; this is the fourth time he has been present for a matter I have raised and I hope he is getting the credit for any good that comes out of these matters. I ask the Minister of State to remind the Minister for Education that on her visit to Carndonagh on 8 March, she will no doubt be requested to visit St. Joseph's boys school in Moville and meet the people involved with it.

I wish to refer to the critical situation at St. Joseph's school. On 26 November 1995 the secretary of the school action committee wrote to the Department of Education outlining no fewer than 18 serious deficiencies in the school, including health hazards and the presence of rats and other vermin. In addition, five pertinent questions were posed seeking information on the normal procedures adopted in such cases. To date no reply has been received by the group other than an acknowledgement of receipt of the letter, although I received a written answer to a parliamentary question on the matter.

This reply mentioned that the cost of refurbishing the school would be prohibitive and the Minister would now consider amalgamating the boy's school with the existing girls' school. I understand this would envisage putting new buildings on a site adjoining the girls' school. I am glad that at least the matter is being looked into — to use a phrase popular with civil servants. However worthy this proposal, I am concerned about the fate of the children and teachers in the meantime. Their morale is at a low ebb and some children have already been moved by their parents to schools in Greencastle, Muff and Whitecastle. One classroom was in such a bad state of repair that the class was moved to an empty chalet at the girls' school after Christmas. This was an improvement to some extent but was still far from ideal; for example, the boys now have to share the toilets with the girls.

To further illustrate the seriousness of the matter. I understand that the post of principal and one other teacher have not yet been filled because of the conditions in spite of being advertised on a number of occasions. I appeal to the Minister to proceed with whatever plans there may be regarding the new buildings and address, as a matter of urgency, the possibility of providing immediate improvements at the existing boys' school. This is demanded in the interests of the children who may have left school altogether by the time the new buildings are provided.

I am glad the Deputy has given me the opportunity of outlining my Department's current position in respect of the situation that currently exists in St. Joseph's national school, Moville, County Donegal. I am aware that the school has a current staffing level of a principal and five assistant teachers with an enrolment of 158 pupils. The accommodation consists of five permanent classrooms and a prefab which I realise is in a poor state of repair. As a result, the pupils normally located in the prefab are now being accommodated in a community hall. I agree that this is less than satisfactory.

I note that St. Joseph's is reflecting the national trend of falling enrolments which suggests the loss of a teacher in September 1996. The planning section of my Department is currently reviewing its accommodation requirements with the educational needs of the area in general. As I indicated to the Deputy in my reply to a Dáil question on 23 January last, I would be disposed to considering proposals for an amalgamation of St. Joseph's with the girls' convent national school on the girls' school site. My Department has asked that the matter be considered locally and the views of the interested parties obtained.

In addition, my Department's professional staff have recently visited St. Joseph's and are in the process of compiling a report which will outline details of any works requiring attention. When this report is received and considered, in conjunction with the views of the local interested parties, my Department will be in a better position to assess the educational needs of the area.

My Department recognises the urgency of the case and appreciates the concerns expressed by the school authorities. It will be in contact with the board of management at an early date concerning the matter.

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