Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 7 Nov 1996

Vol. 471 No. 3

Adjournment Debate. - Kilmore West (Dublin) Schools.

Mr. Callely

Thank you for allowing me to raise this matter. I pay tribute to Séamus Doyle, principal of Scoil Fhursa, Carmel Clifford, Scoil Íde and all the teaching staff. I include the parents' representatives, Charlie Robinson, Benny Johnson and others. They are all concerned at the continued provision of education in these schools mainly because they have informed the Department of Education over a prolonged period of time that there is a serious problem with their heating system which is obsolete and no remedial works can be done. Total renovation of the system — or installation of a new system — is necessary. There are approximately 500 pupils in these national schools, the teaching staff and the parents. They are from a socially disadvantaged area and the parents do not have funds available to them to pour into the school.

I want one answer from the Minister of State: that the Minister will intervene directly to ensure the necessary works are carried out to both schools so that the principals will not have to decide to shut them. Does the Minister want to preside over the closing of a school in Kilmore West?

I am disappointed that when I contacted the Tullamore section of the Department of Education, I was informed they had been told not to give information to Deputies. I was looking for the results of the recent inspection of both schools and the recommendations of the accompanying report to the Department. I will not beat about the bush as this is a simple matter. Will provision be made for the necessary works to be carried out? It may be costly but the Department has non-established and established personnel costing hundreds of thousands of pounds annually. Millions are being spent on consultancy fees for various reports. This is a simple matter concerning a school of 500 pupils plus teachers requiring a heating system. We have been blessed so far with good weather that has meant the principals have not had to close the schools but we know that cold weather is coming. It is a matter of days before these principals have to make a decision they do not wish to make. The necessary works should be carried out without delay and I ask the Minister for a favourable response.

Mr. Allen

First, I would like to outline to the House my Department's current position in respect of the situation at Scoil Fhursa and Scoil Íde, Cromcastle Green, Kilmore West, Dublin 5.

Mr. Callely

With respect, I am aware of the current situation. I have done my homework and I want to know——

An Leas-Cheann Comhairle

Let us hear the Minister. There is no provision for interruption in this debate.

Mr. Callely

I do not want what I already know reiterated.

An Leas-Cheann Comhairle

The Deputy is being disorderly and should desist. Let us hear the reply.

Mr. Allen

The Minister for Education is aware that Scoil Fhursa boys' school has a staffing of principal, seven assistant teachers, one disadvantaged assistant, two remedial teachers, one special additional assistant, one shared home-school liaison and one early start assistant.

Mr. Callely

This is a waste of time.

Mr. Allen

The enrolment in September 1996 was 234 pupils. Scoil Íde girls' school has a staffing of principal, six assistants, one disadvantaged assistant, one remedial teacher, one home-school liaison and one early start assistant. The enrolment in September 1996 was 193 pupils.

The accommodation at each of these schools consists of 16 permanent classrooms plus ancillary accommodation. The Minister is aware of the difficulties with the heating system serving these schools. In June this year the Department received a report from a consulting engineer which recommended the replacement of the entire heating system at an estimated cost of £260,000.

Mr. Callely

This is a disgrace.

An Leas-Cheann Comhairle

Let the Minister reply.

Mr. Callely

He is not giving a reply. I might as well have said nothing.

An Leas-Cheann Comhairle

The Deputy had an opportunity to speak uninterrupted.

Mr. Callely

I do not wish to be disorderly.

Mr. Allen

The report also recommended the replacement of a large number of windows at these schools. In view of the size of the buildings, the cost of window replacement is likely to be significant. The schools were informed in August 1996 that due to financial constraints the Department was not in a position to provide the requested grant aid at present.

Enrolments at these schools have declined significantly over the years, in line with the general drop in enrolment at primary schools. The Deputy will appreciate that before taxpayers' money is committed to major refurbishment works there is an onus on the Department to establish the expected future use of the buildings. The schools inspector has recently reported on the matter and his report is under consideration in my Department.

Mr. Callely

What does it contain?

Mr. Allen

In view of the Department's current contractual commitments it is not possible at this stage to give a realistic timescale for the works to be carried out. Finally, I assure the Deputy that the Department of Education appreciates the concerns expressed by the school authorities.

Mr. Callely

Will the Minister intervene directly?

Mr. Allen

The Deputy can be assured of the Department's desire to ensure that adequate heating is provided at these schools and I again thank him for raising this matter.

Mr. Callely

That is sad.

The Dáil adjourned at 5.25 p.m. until 2.30 p.m. on Tuesday, 12 November 1996.