asked the Minister for Education what is the present position in regard to the new national schools proposed to be erected at (a) Woodpole and (b) Knockcommon, County Meath.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Meath Schools.
62.
As I have stated on previous occasions, it is my policy, in the educational interests of the children concerned, that smaller schools should, wherever feasible, be discontinued, and provision made for their pupils in larger schools to which they would be brought by transport services.
Woodpole and Knockcommon national schools, County Meath, are both small schools which are structurally unsuitable, and my Department is having investigations made with a view to implementing this policy in the most suitable way.
I am endeavouring to have these cases brought to decision without delay.
Does the Minister not recollect that in June of this year, in answer to a Parliamentary Question, he told me that the Knockcommon school would be the last of the two-roomed schools to be erected? Would he say why a change has taken place in that arrangement?
Does the Deputy say that I told him that it would be the last of the two-roomed schools?
Yes.
I have not got the details before me but I will look into the matter and communicate with the Deputy.
Is the Minister further aware that the Knockcommon school is situated in an area from which it will be very difficult to get the children to go to the Donore school? They will be scattered around in five or six schools and this may result in at least one teacher becoming redundant.
I have not said that a decision has been made to do this. The matter is being investigated but it cannot happen that as a result of this a teacher will become redundant.
Does the Minister also recollect that in the answer he gave me last June, he said it was proposed to start the Knockcommon school in August?
I shall communicate with the Deputy on that matter. I have not got the details before me.