Vol. 279 No. 4
asked the Minister for Education if he is aware of anxiety among parents of children attending An Scoil Lán-Ghaelach, Sráid Maolbhríde, Baile Átha Cliath, concerning conditions prevailing there at present; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
19.
asked the Minister for Education when it is proposed to replace the prefabricated buildings in which An Scoil Lán-Ghaelach, Sráid Maolbhríde, Baile Átha Cliath, is accommodated at present with a permanent structure.
I propose with the permission of the Ceann Comhairle to take Questions Nos. 18 and 19 together.
I received a deputation from the principal teachers of the three schools in question last December in connection with the existing state of the school buildings and the question of the provision of new premises.
I explained to them that I did not feel in a position to give an undertaking that new premises would be provided for the schools in that present location. I pointed to the fact that in the last few years new all-Irish schools had been established in the suburbs and I stated that I was very much in favour of that form of development. The opening of these new schools had been paralleled by a falling off in the numbers enrolled in the schools in Marlborough Street. I suggested that it might be desirable that thought should be given to the matter of the transfer of the schools to a new location in one of the suburbs of the city. The question of the amalgamation of the three schools into one school in view of the decline in the enrolments was also raised and this matter is to be further considered.
Two of the three schools have been transferred from unsuitable permanent buildings and are at present housed in prefabricated classroom accommodation. This accommodation, which was newly erected in 1973 is regarded as suitable and adequate for at least a number of years.
I have already conveyed my views in relation to this matter in a letter of 29th January, 1975, to an Cathaoirleach, Coiste Thuismitheoirí Scoileanna Gaeilge, Sráid Maolbhríde.
Are we to take it from what the Parliamentary Secretary has said that An Scoil Lán-Ghaelach, Sráid Maolbhríde is to be closed? Is it the end of the line for the school?
No.
That seemed to be indicated from the Parliamentary Secretary's reply.
As I understand it, the Minister suggested the possibility that they might wish to move to another location. When a survey was carried out it was found that only 27 of the 326 children were living in the immediate locality of the school and it was considered it might be better located elsewhere. The Minister has made an alternative proposal, namely, that the three schools at present on this site could be amalgamated into one national school which could be accommodated in adequate buildings. I think this suggestion is being considered and it would probably be the answer to the immediate problems.
I have two supplementary questions. First, is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that pending any long-term development with regard to this school, there are considerable grounds for complaints by parents regarding the inadequacies of existing facilities? Would the Parliamentary Secretary be prepared to look at the existing facilities and amenities in the short-term? Although I would not expect him to be totally aware of this, perhaps he might consider looking into the great history and tradition of this school and realise that, in proportion to its size, it has one of the most distinguished records of past pupils in the country. In any planning intended for this school, would he keep that great tradition and history in mind and realise that in the minds of many people it occupies a very special cherished position?
I have noted what the Deputy has said in the latter part of his supplementary question. In relation to the precise question of accommodation, one of the results of the possible amalgamation of the three schools would be a rationalisation of the accommodation. This would mean that the overall standard of accommodation in the amalgamated school would be better than that presently enjoyed by the children in the three schools at present.
Do I gather from the Parliamentary Secretary's reply that if the amalgamation took place what would be available would not be pre-fabricated accommodation?
No, that is not the case.
Will the Parliamentary Secretary state why the Minister thinks the place is not suitable for a school, apart from the reason given which, in any event, was not a valid one? Deputy Haughey quite rightly has referred to the tradition and history of the school.
I understand that the prefabricated buildings that are on the site and which would be made available for the school as a whole in the event of amalgamation are of a good standard. This provision would be a sound interim measure to deal with the problem.
Has any decision, even a tentative one, been made to develop the area, which would leave no place for the school?
I am not aware of such a decision. The Deputy will appreciate that embarking on a totally new building is a major undertaking. I understand that the existing permanent building suffers from dry rot and cannot be rehabilitated as a permanent building.
Is it proposed to move the Department of Education there?
The Parliamentary Secretary has referred to the number of students who come from the immediate vicinity. That criticism could apply to an even greater extent to Belvedere College and to Coláiste Mhuire, both of which are in the same area. If the number of pupils was the basis for running down An Scoil Lán-Ghaelach, surely that criterion should be applied to Belvedere College and Coláiste Mhuire?
We must deal with other questions. The subject matter of the question is being considerably extended.
I am not aware of any new building proposals in relation to Coláiste Mhuire or Belvedere College. Therefore, the question does not arise.
The Parliamentary Secretary indicated that the Minister would prefer that these children would not come into the city. Surely the same would apply—
I am calling the next question.
I have indicated that sound accommodation is to be provided for them in Marlborough Street.
