A Cheann Comhairle, I propose with your permission to take Questions numbers 33 to 39 together.
I would like to explain for the Deputy's information the general procedure in connection with the question of the provision of new national schools. When the attention of my Department is drawn to the need for the replacement of a school building, either by way of an application from the Manager or a report by the school Inspector or the County Medical Officer, the Commissioners of Public Works are asked for a report on the structural and sanitary condition of the existing premises together with a recommendation as to whether a new school should be provided.
If the Commissioners recommend that from the point of view of the structural condition of an old school it should be replaced by a new building the name of the school is placed on a list temporarily pending investigation of the case by my Department from other points of view. In this investigation consideration is given to the following matters:—
(i) whether the school is needed in the district having regard to the number of pupils on the roll and to the educational facilities available in neighbouring schools,
(ii) whether a rearrangement of schools in the district could be effected with a view to the replacement of two or more schools by a central school,
(iii) whether amalgamation of the school recommended for replacement with a neighbouring school would be feasible.
These matters are examined in the light of population trends and the suitability of existing school buildings in the district. The examination in the light of population trends very often entails the keeping of cases under review for a period of time.
In some cases it has been found that due to small and declining attendances new school buildings would not be warranted, and that schemes of works to render the existing school buildings serviceable for a further period would be the proper course to take. In other cases the provision of central schools to replace two or more existing schools, or the amalgamation of defective schools with neighbouring schools is the course adopted.
It will, accordingly, be understood that not all schools recommended for replacement are replaced by new schools, and that the numbers of defective school buildings in need of replacement shown on the lists compiled in my Department must fluctuate from time to time. The fact that schools are removed from the lists does not mean that they then cease to function as national schools.
These factors coupled with the fact that the figures given to the Deputy on the 6th March, 1958, and the 25th February, 1959, comprised only cases where building operations had not begun explains what, apparently, the Deputy regards as discrepancies in the figures supplied in relation to Counties Tipperary, Kerry, Clare and Wicklow.
These factors also make it impossible for me to give the Deputy precise information of the nature requested in Questions Numbers 33 and 35.
In regard to Question Number 34, it will be evident from the information now furnished to the Deputy what were the "other factors" referred to in my reply to a question from him on the 8th April, 1959.
