asked the Minister for Education what is the exact function of his Department in regard to the heating and sanitary accommodation in national schools; whether periodic inspections of these services are carried out by his Department; if so, whether periodic reports of the conditions of heating and sanitation obtaining in the various schools are made to him; and what action is taken by his Department in cases where the heating or sanitary accommodation is found to be unsatisfactory.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - School Heating and Sanitary Accommodation.
31.
It is the duty of managers to ensure that national schools are adequately heated and that proper sanitary accommodation is available. The function of my Department is to supplement local effort by way of grants towards the heating and cleaning of national schools and for the provision of new or improved heating or sanitary facilities, where applied for by managers and recommended by the Commissioners of Public Works. The Department's inspectors draw attention to any defects in the heating or sanitary systems on the occasion of their visits to national schools; in addition, schools are subject to inspection by the county medical officers. Where defects are reported, the Department takes steps with a view to ensuring that such defects will be remedied.
Could the Minister say whether the reports submitted to him by his inspectors are satisfactory or otherwise—what sort of reports does he get?
Is the Deputy asking whether the reports are, on the whole, satisfactory or whether we have to take action?
Yes.
Would the Minister state whether, by and large, the managerial system is working satisfactorily in this country?
That has nothing to do with my question.
It certainly has. The Deputy is attacking the managerial system.
The Deputy would like to think so because that is the kind of mind he has got. Is the Minister satisfied the majority of our schools are heated properly and have proper sanitary facilities?
A group of officials in my Department are working on a review of the whole basis of this heating and cleaning system.
I should be glad if the Minister would reply to my supplementary question.
It does not seem to arise from the question on the Order Paper.
For Deputy Kitt's benefit, the Minister said he is not entirely satisfied.
I did not say that.
I am concerned about the health of the children, not about systems, managerial or otherwise.
I am satisfied it is working well.
(South Tipperary): Would the Minister explain why he could not give me similar information in regard to South Tipperary?
I have not given information about any particular region. My reply gave general information.