asked the Minister for Education the number and location of primary schools in Dublin with more than 50 pupils on the roll of any class; how often and in what manner returns of such matters are made to his Department; the latest date for which such figures are available; and what steps will be taken to remedy overcrowded classes.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dublin Primary School Classes.
29.
Mr. O'Malley
Returns are made in the month of February each year of the numbers of pupils in all classes in national schools. Where these returns disclose that there are more than 50 pupils in a class the Department's inspectors have instructions to seek a reorganisation of classes so as to ensure that all classes are kept under 50. Where this may involve the appointment of an additional teacher or the provision of extra accommodation arrangements are made accordingly.
In February last there were 108 primary schools in Dublin in which there was a class or were classes with more than 50 pupils. As the arrangements to which I have referred are proceeding in the case of these schools I feel that I would not be warranted in making any further statement in regard to them.
Is the Minister going to identify the 108 schools which have classes in excess of the 50 maximum?
Mr. O'Malley
No.
The Minister appreciates that that information was asked for. Why is he withholding it?
Mr. O'Malley
I said that I feel I would not be warranted in making any further statement in regard to these schools as the arrangements to which I have referred are proceeding in the case of the schools in question.
Does the Minister not think that parents are entitled to information regarding overcrowding in the schools? Why is he, and why was his predecessor, reluctant to give the information which would indicate where overcrowding exists?
Mr. O'Malley
For the past number of years the pupil/teacher ratio has improved every year and will continue to improve and I do not see any purpose in naming schools here, holding them up to odium. I do not think it would be fair.
Is the Minister aware that the odium does not attach to the schools but rather to him who has failed to provide the accommodation and the facilities and the teachers to stop this overcrowding? It is not the schools that are to blame; it is the Minister. Let there be no confusion here or anywhere else about that.
Thou doth protest too much.
We will keep protesting in the interests of the parents and children against this fraudulent performance.
Mr. O'Malley
The Deputy's solution was to give one-third of the places free in the schools and to have the other two-thirds fee-paying.
The Minister cannot distinguish between primary and secondary education and then he is talking about confusion.