asked the Minister for Education if he is aware that a number of Dublin schools have adopted the school hours 9 a.m. to 2.30 p.m. which are giving entire satisfaction to parents and pupils; and, if so, if he will recommend to all other schools where broken hours are in force the desirability of adopting similar hours, thereby bringing to an end the parents' complaint of having to attend the schools four times per day to bring the smaller children to and from the schools, and reducing the burden of high bus fares.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dublin School Hours.
66.
It is a matter for the managers of national schools to arrange their school time-tables in accordance with the Rules and Regulations for National Schools. Under these Rules, the school-day may consist of a single meeting during which a midday interval of one half-hour may be allowed, or alternatively, of two meetings with a midday break of more than one hour. In view of the extent to which local wishes should prevail in a matter such as this I do not propose to recommend to managers generally that one system rather than the other should be adopted.
Mr. Ryan
Having regard to the fact that in one Dublin parish, there is a variation in the hours of attendance between the boys' school and the girls' school, thereby causing very serious hardship to housewives because small children have to go to school four times a day, would the Minister not request that the managers meet and arrange for common hours for the two schools, thereby relieving the considerable hardship caused by the present variation?
The alternative arrangement might cause hardship to other children. I think it would be far better dealt with by the parents consulting with the managers.
Mr. Ryan
Is the Minister aware that this is simply because some school teachers will not meet the convenience of parents? You have the deplorable situation in which many households in Dublin city are upset. It is a very big problem in Dublin.
The Deputy is making an argument, not asking a question.
It is a matter for the managers, not the teachers.