asked the Minister for Education if he will ensure, in connection with the proposals of his Department concerning Crough national school, Ardfinnan, Clonmel, County Tipperary, that the local parents are fully consulted before any steps are taken in this regard to this school; and if he will receive a deputation of the parents.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Tipperary Schools.
34.
As the consideration of the future arrangements for primary education in the Ardfinnan parish, in which Crough school is situated, is only at the preliminary stage the question of receiving a deputation of the parents does not arise at present. Should it arise, I will arrange that the parents be given a full opportunity to put forward their views in relation to the matter. The normal procedure in that regard is for a senior officer of my Department to attend a meeting of the parents.
35.
asked the Minister for Education if he will hold full consultations with local parents in regard to the Ballingeary national school, Cahir, County Tipperary; and if he will receive a deputation of the parents.
One of my Department's assistant chief inspectors has already visited Ballingeary and has had a full discussion with the parents. From his report it would appear that a majority of the parents favour amalgamation of the school.
I would like to disprove the Minister's idea that the parents were convinced on that occasion that the school was to be closed. Indeed, my most recent representations from all sources show that the prevalent opinion is that the school should not be closed and that the people are against any action by the Minister. Would the Minister be kind enough to meet a deputation of the parents if they wish to see him on this important matter?
I shall bring the matter to the notice of the Minister for Education and he himself will decide.
It is normal courtesy to receive a deputation.
It is not normal courtesy, with the farmers sitting outside for the last week.
Let us not mix this up with the NFA. I submit it is normal courtesy to meet a deputation of parents in connection with the proposed closure of a school.
The Deputy will be aware that the Minister has already indicated his willingness to meet a deputation of parents to discuss their views fully with him. I want to say that I would not be in a position to commit the Minister.
36.
asked the Minister for Education if, in view of the fact that a new national school is scheduled to replace the school at Curraghpoor, Tipperary, he will state when it is intended to proceed to build this new school.
My Department has sanctioned a grant towards the cost of providing a new national school at Curraghpoor, County Tipperary, to replace the existing school. In the normal way the next step, preparatory to the invitation of tenders, would be the preparation of working drawings by the Commissioners.
I understand, however, that the county council now requires portion of the site for road widening. This matter must be investigated by the Commissioners before the working drawings are put in hands. I cannot say, therefore when the building of the new school will proceed.
May I take it that the matter appertaining to the county council and their desire to acquire portion of the site for road widening is the only hindrance to proceeding with the erection of a school of which the Minister is aware?
That is the only hindrance.
37.
asked the Minister for Education if he is aware that, owing to the proposal of his Department to close the national schools at Turraheen and Glenough and to amalgamate them with the Rossmore national school, Goolds Cross, County Tipperary, the parents are gravely dissatisfied; if he will re-investigate the situation as regards these schools, particularly in view of the fact that the Turraheen school is in a mountainous area where it might well be impossible for school transport to travel in winter; and if he will receive a deputation of the local parents to discuss the matter.
In view of representations from the Turraheen Parents Association, a senior official of my Department has been asked to furnish a report on the suitability of the roads in the Turraheen area for a transport service. He will also meet the Turraheen and Glenough parents in order to discuss my Department's proposals with them. At this stage it would appear that the question of receiving a deputation of the parents does not arise.