asked the Minister for Education the present proposals regarding the Glenidan, Fore and Collinstown national schools, County Westmeath; whether it is proposed to close any of these schools; and, if so, when and by whom this proposal was agreed.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Westmeath Schools.
34.
The question of the amalgamation of Glenidan N.S. with either Fore N.S. or Collinstown N.S. pending the erection of a new central school at Collinstown is being considered. No final decision in the matter has yet been taken.
Is the Minister aware that the majority of the parents are not in agreement with this decision? Have they been consulted and, if so, when and by whom?
There has been no final decision in relation to the interim arrangement.
If there has been no final decision, why is the Minister building a central school at Collinstown?
The question of the amalgamation of Glenidan N.S. with Collinstown N.S. was discussed at recent meetings of both parents and inspectors of the Department. The inspectors who attended the meeting reported that the parents would accept amalgamation with Collinstown national school subject to a scheme of works being carried out there.
I am informed that is wrong. The children are not prepared to go there.
The information I have is that amalgamation was discussed at a recent meeting of parents and inspectors of the Department and the inspectors who attended the meeting reported that the parents would accept amalgamation with Collinstown school.
The information is not accurate and the parents and the children will strike.
I am accepting the word of my inspectors.
Is the Minister aware that his inspectors would not let the people speak? I saw that in a particular school. I was at the meeting and some of the public representatives had to tell the Minister's inspectors to sit down, that they had not gone there to dictate. They would not let the people say a word because they thought they were country yobs. They would not let them open their mouths. That is quite true.
That is not true.
That is quite true. Councillor John Keegan had to tell them to sit down. They would not let the people speak.
Have any arrangements been come to with the teachers in regard to the staffing of the proposed school?
That is a separate question. Staffing does not arise on this.
The question of staffing is always taken into consideration.
Will there be equal opportunity in the staffing of these schools?
That is a separate question.
No teacher will become redundant.