asked the Minister for Education if he will sanction the appointment of a second teacher to Moyard national school, County Galway.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Galway School.
25.
Mr. R. Burke
Before the appointment of a second teacher could be sanctioned, it would be necessary that the school reach an average enrolment of 36 units. This requirement is not fulfilled at present and it appears that the enrolment will decline further.
Is it the Minister's intention to close this school if, under his rules, it only qualifies for one teacher?
Mr. R. Burke
It is my intention to review each case individually and, in fact, I have taken some steps to see that the previous procedures in this regard will no longer operate and that each individual case will be brought to my attention.
Does that mean that the school will not be closed? This matter is of great concern to the parents in the area who maintain that there should be two teachers in the school, there were two teachers until recently, and they are seeking the Minister's permission for the appointment of a second teacher? The Minister has it on record that he does not believe that one teacher——
The Deputy is making a statement.
——can teach successfully all classes from infants to sixth standard. Is it his intention to continue this one-teacher school or to sanction a second teacher or to close the school? It is important that we get an indication from the Minister as to his intention.
Mr. R. Burke
I think it is not the intention of the Minister that the Deputy is looking for; it is a decision at this point. Without having all the relevant factors at my disposal I do not see how I can help him except to say that I will treat with great sympathy the problems of two-teacher and one-teacher schools from now on, if that will satisfy the Deputy.
It could not possibly satisfy me. What might satisfy me would be if the Minister would indicate to me that he intends to deal with this particular matter expeditiously. It has been going on for quite some time now. In the last three months the Minister has not made any decision and the thing has been suspended in mid-air.
Mr. R. Burke
The Deputy, the House and the country will receive a decision in this matter reasonably——
Question No. 26.
Will we have the Minister's decision before the commencement of the school year in September?
Mr. R. Burke
You will.
I have called Question No. 26 and the Chair expects to be obeyed when he calls the next question.
I should like the Minister to tell me whether——
The Deputy has asked a considerable number of supplementaries and he has got all kinds of assurances.
Mr. R. Burke
I will make a decision before the date to which the Deputy refers.