andMr. McLaughlin asked the Minister for Education if he will reconsider the closing of many schools throughout the country and particularly throughout Sligo-Leitrim; and if he will reconsider the proposed closing of St. Maria Goretti's national school at Glenn, County Sligo, which was erected recently at a very high cost.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Closing of Schools.
70.
With regard to the first part of the question, I would refer the Deputies to my statement to the House on 21st July, 1965 and to my reply of 21st October, 1965 to a previous question addressed to me on this matter.
With regard to the second part of the question, no decision has been reached as yet regarding the future of St. Maria Goretti's School, Glenn, County Sligo.
Would the Minister not consider having repairs carried out to this school since the parents have made strong representation against its closure and I am informed there are prospects of another ten or 12 children coming on in the near future.
As the Deputy is aware, we have had considerable discussion on this matter in the last few days. I do not think I can usefully add anything to what I have already said.
Despite what the Deputy has stated!
71.
Mr. McLaughlin
andMr. Gilhawley asked the Minister for Education the present position regarding the closing of Carrigeenageare national school, County Leitrim, which will cause great hardship to children as it is far away from Manorhamilton.
As this is a one-teacher school in very bad structural condition, I am having investigated the possibility of the children being accommodated in the schools in Manorhamilton, to which they would be brought by a State-aided transport service.
I cannot agree that the closing of Carrigeenageare National School would cause great hardship to the children concerned since transport would be made available to bring them to and from Manorhamilton, which is 3¼ miles from Carrigeenageare. In fact the majority of the children concerned would attend school under more favourable conditions than they do at present.