asked the Minister for Education his plans in relation to Lisaniska national school, Knockmore, Ballina, County Mayo.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Mayo School.
11.
Mr. R. Burke
Following recent investigation of the reorganisation of the schools in the parish, it is proposed to amalgamate Lisaniska and two other schools, Shraheen and Cloghans, in a central school at Curraboggan, when the necessary extension to Curraboggan national school has been provided.
Were the parents of Lisaniska national school consulted about this?
Mr. R. Burke
It would seem from the notes available to me that the agreement of the manager was forthcoming. I am not in a position to say what is the position in regard to the parents but I would presume that the manager was speaking on their behalf when making this approach to the Department.
Would the Minister now accept my word that the manager was not speaking on behalf of the parents and that the parents do not want Lisaniska national school closed? Would the Minister further accept that the original proposition for a central school was to put it in the village of Knockmore, that the parents now want some repairs carried out to Lisaniska national school and want consultation with the Department?
Mr. R. Burke
I have replied to the Deputy that it is proposed to amalgamate the school with two other schools and I have not been given any reasons to depart from that decision.
Many times in this House the Minister has told us that his policy is one of consultation. I am now asking him for consultation with these parents, who were not consulted, and who I am sure are very concerned about an arbitrary decision to close the school?
Mr. R. Burke
I would not regard the decision as arbitrary in view of what I have told the Deputy and the House already, that when the manager called to the Department he was agreeable to centralisation.
Further arising out of the Minister's reply——
I have called the next question. I have allowed Deputy Calleary some considerable latitude. He must obey the Chair at some stage.
It is very seldom the Deputy worries the Chair.
The Deputy has been given sufficient latitude on this question.
Will the Minister have an inspector call to consult with the parents of children attending Lisaniska national school? It is a simple question and a simple answer should be given to it.
Mr. R. Burke
I am afraid I cannot give the Deputy that assurance. The decision has been made.