asked the Minister for Education if and when he proposes to arrange for a discussion with the parents of the 110 children attending Aclint national school, County Monaghan, who strenuously object to the proposal to close this three-teacher school.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Monaghan School.
28.
Mr. O'Malley
As the consideration of the future arrangements for primary education in the Tallanstown parish, in which the Aclint school is situated, is merely at a preliminary stage the question of arranging for the discussion referred to by the Deputy does not arise for the present at any rate. Should the need arise, arrangements will be made for a senior officer of my Department to have a full discussion with the parents.
May I assume from the Minister's reply that there is no immediate intention to close this school and that before any decision in regard to it is taken, a specific opportunity will be provided for the parents of the children attending this school to make their views known to the Minister?
Mr. O'Malley
Yes, that would be correct. That would be a reasonable assumption. I should also like to point out that on several occasions we have had discussions with the school manager.
The Minister will note carefully that my question refers to parents who, in this matter, have some rights.
Mr. O'Malley
I agree with the Deputy as long as the primary consideration is the educational needs of the children.
Then I am to take it that there is no immediate intention to close the school and that before any decision is taken in the matter, the parents will be afforded an opportunity of meeting responsible officials of the Minister's Department?
Mr. O'Malley
That is correct.