asked the Minister for Education if he is aware that parents of the 52 pupils on the roll of Gurtycloona national school, Bantry, County Cork are unanimously opposed to the closure of this fine modern school which is equipped with ESB and water supply; and if, in the circumstances, he will consider maintaining this school in use.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Cork School Closure.
49.
The matter of the educational facilities being provided for the pupils attending the two-teacher school at Gurtycloona was investigated by an inspector of my Department. After careful consideration of his report I am satisfied that the educational interests of the children would best be served by the amalgamation of Gurtycloona national school with the larger schools in Bantry. The Deputy will appreciate, I am sure, the educational advantages of a larger school unit where a broad curriculum can be operated, with less classes per teacher than exists in small two-teacher schools. Córas Iompair Éireann have assured my Department that a satisfactory transport service can be established to carry the Gurtycloona children to and from Bantry. The children would be collected between 9 a.m. and 9.30 a.m. and would be at home between 3 p.m. and 3.30 p.m., which would lessen considerably the hardship on the many of them who have to walk long distances to the existing school.
Would the Minister be prepared to reconsider the decision so far as this school is concerned? I am sure he is aware that the school is well serviced with a water supply, etc. The parents believe that the best interests of the children would be served by allowing this school to continue. In view of those facts, and having regard to the amount of co-operation which the Department secured in many areas for their amalgamation scheme, would the Minister reconsider the position regarding this school and conform to the wishes of the parents? There are 52 pupils on the roll and the teachers give satisfied, and I do not think this would encroach to any extent on the Minister's scheme of amalgamation.
I do not think there is any suggestion in this proposal that the existing school building is particularly bad, although it was built in 1905, nor is there any reflection on the teachers in the school. It is, as I have said, a question of trying to provide a better educational service for the children of this area, and my understanding is that so far as there is opposition to the proposal from the parents, it is based to a great extent on the belief that a satisfactory transport service would not be provided. That is the reason I specified in the reply the service that could be provided. I would not undertake on behalf of the Minister for Education to say that this decision would be changed.
Would the Minister ask his colleague to review the decision? Perhaps the Taoiseach who knows the school well would lend a helping hand.
I will convey the Deputy's observations to the Minister.
Do they play hurling down there too?