andMr. Burton asked the Minister for Education if he has now reconsidered the question of the closing of Waterloo national school, Blarney, County Cork.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Cork School.
29.
The position in relation to Waterloo national school is as stated previously in the House. A detailed survey of the pupil potential disclosed that there would be a downward trend in the enrolments in this two-teacher school. The building is on a restricted site and lacks water-flushed sanitation. It is proposed to amalgamate the school with Whitechurch which would result in the provision of a four-teacher school for the pupils of both areas. The arrangements for providing an additional classroom and water-flushed sanitation at Whitechurch have reached the stage where tenders have been received.
For the compelling educational reasons which I have stated on numerous occasions in the House there could be no question of my reconsidering the decision to close the Waterloo school.
Can the Minister state if the parents were consulted regarding the closing of this school and if he got agreement from the parents?
The parents were consulted. However, as happens on occasions, some were not in favour of the amalgamation.
What percentage was in favour?
I have not that information. However, in a situation like this I have to take into consideration the interests of all the children of the area and I have to make my decision on that basis.
Can the Minister explain the change of heart as far as the Department are concerned in relation to this school? Immediately before the last general election the Minister's predecessor sent a letter to the local Fianna Fáil cumann and to the local Fianna Fáil Deputies saying that the school would not be closed.
I am not aware of any such letters. When a matter such as this comes up for consideration I examine the situation in relation to what would be of the greatest benefit to all the children and I make a decision accordingly.
If the Minister looks for copies of the letters to which I have referred he will certainly find them.