asked the Minister for Education whether he proposes to extend the summer holidays period for primary schools; and, if so, when he will be in a position to make a statement.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Primary School Holidays.
asked the Minister for Education if he will state whether he is now in a position to make an announcement on extended school holidays for primary school children.
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 32 and 33 together.
I have been giving consideration to the question of extending the summer holiday period for primary schools. I had expected that, during the debate on the Estimates for my Department, I might obtain an expression of the views of Deputies on this matter. In the debate, so far, however, the question was only touched on by one or two Deputies. I am hopeful now that, when the debate is resumed, Deputies may be able to indicate to me what are the public's reactions to the matter.
I think the Minister had sufficient indication already as to the desire of parents and everybody else that school children should get holidays in the months of July and August. I do not think Deputies speaking on the Estimate for the Department of Education will give the Minister any more information than has already been given to him. I assure you that there are a number of people disappointed as regards this matter.
Mr. Byrne
I assure the Minister that the view is expressed in Dublin City that the months of July and August should be the holiday season and that all the schools should close at the same time, so that the children can go on holidays together for the two-months period.
I have my own views, very clearly established on this matter, but my well-known democratic outlook demands that I should try to investigate, as far as possible, what the public reaction to this matter would be. I do not see why, on the discussion on the Estimate for the Department of Education, I should not be told by Deputies what the people think.
I have not yet got the opportunity of speaking on the Estimate, but I can assure the Minister that I am well aware that parents and others in Cork City desire that all primary school children should get their holidays at the same time in July and August. This agitation has been going on for the last couple of years.
I would like some of the Deputies from the country to give their views on the matter.