asked the Minister for Education his plans for the future of Castleview national school, County Cork.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Cork Schools.
16.
Mr. R. Burke
The average enrolment of pupils in this school is now 11 units and the principal teacher will retire from the service on 30th June next. My Department propose to withdraw grants from the school with effect from 30th June, 1975, and to arrange for the transport of the pupils to the neighbouring Toames national school.
Did the Minister discuss this closure with the people concerned and, if so, with whom and can he tell us what their views were?
Mr. R. Burke
The representations made over the last seven or eight years were entertained in the Department. The proposal to close the school was made in May, 1967, and the Department offered a district inspector to address a meeting of parents; that offer was never taken up.
Am I to take it then, that no consultations were held with the interested parties?
Mr. R. Burke
The offer of consultation was made but never accepted.
Surely, consultation is not something one can offer. Consultation is something you must have between people. You cannot offer consultation. An offer of an inspector to address a group is not consultation.
Mr. R. Burke
No, but it is an offer of consultation.
Is the Minister aware of the conditions in the school to which these pupils are now being sent? Is he aware of the age of the school? Is he aware of the difference as between the playground facilities and so on, in the school he is closing and the facilities to which it is proposed to transfer the pupils?
Mr. R. Burke
I am so aware.
Arising further out of that reply——
This must be the Deputy's final supplementary question.
I will be very brief. If the Minister is aware of the situation would he not now reconsider his decision and examine again the possibility of keeping this school open in an area where there may be growth in a very short time?
Mr. R. Burke
I do not think the Deputy has advanced any aspects of the case which would warrant a fresh look at the matter but, if he brings anything in particular to my attention, I shall certainly give it my consideration.
The condition of the other school should have the Minister's attention.