Vol. 506 No. 4
7 Mr. McGinley asked the Minister for Education and Science if an application has been received by his Department to introduce coeducation in two primary schools (details supplied) in County Donegal; if the application is being considered; when a decision will be made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15516/99]
The planning section of my Department has been in correspondence with the boards of management of the two primary schools referred to by the Deputy regarding co-education. As a general rule I am very much in favour of co-educational rather than single sex primary schools and I would be anxious to facilitate the wishes of the schools in this particular case.
The matter is complicated by the fact that there is one further school in the immediate area and two outlying schools which might be adversely affected by any change in the status of the two schools in question. The full implications of co-education for all the parties involved need to be clearly identified and I wish to ensure that any revised educational arrangements are based on consultation and consensus. My Department is arranging for consultation with all of the parties concerned in order to finalise the matter as soon as possible.
The Minister is probably aware that most of the parties associated with these schools, St. Catherine's and St. Joseph's of Ballyshannon, have already met. A survey of the parents indicated that 95 per cent of them were in favour of a change of status to co-education. There are two patrons because there are two dioceses in Ballyshannon, Raphoe and Clogher, and both bishops seem to be in favour of this proposal. Both boards of management are in favour of the proposal and the teachers are also gener ally in favour of it. They have asked the Department of Education and Science for a number of guarantees. First, what staffing arrangements would apply to the general teaching staff and any special teachers in both schools in the case of a change of status? Would they be guaranteed their jobs for a number of years if the status of both schools changed to become co-educational?
I am told that the schools have indicated that it would take a minimum of eight years for co-education to develop properly.
Would teaching jobs be guaranteed?
I cannot guarantee that now. I would have to look into the details of this matter as it could set all sorts of precedents. I am unsure of the guarantees being sought. If numbers dropped significantly we could not guarantee the posts. If numbers dropped in the next two years I could not tie my successors to that position.
It is the practice to grant concessions on staff to schools in the case of amalgamations. We would be in a position to do all the remedial work and I understand that major work is required in St. Catherine's in the very near future. That would not present a difficulty as far as I am concerned.
To facilitate the change in status it is obvious that additional facilities will be needed in both schools, such as toilets. Will the Department guarantee the funding of these extra additions in both schools to facilitate the change of status to coeducation? There will be considerable expense involved. Will the Department meet the cost?
Yes. It appears from my notes that those works need to be done anyway.
Yes. It will be met by the Department? I do not think it has informed the boards of management that it is willing to do so, which was one of the questions raised.
I hope they read the reports of parliamentary questions, as I have just given sanction for it. We would be willing to do the physical work. I am not in a position to guarantee the staffing arrangements as I do not know the details.
A reasonable period of six to eight years?
The eight year period sounds a bit long.
Six to eight?
This is not the appropriate forum to negotiate that. I am always wary of the Donegal and Kerry approach to negotiating. I appreci ate the concerns of the schools and the Deputy. When I saw the reply I was not entirely happy, as I am anxious to be proactive in this regard. There is another school in the area which could potentially suffer, so its needs will have to be assessed. However, we are anxious to proceed with this worthwhile proposal.
