asked the Minister for Education if he will enunciate the Government's policy on the type, size and management structure of proposed post-primary schools.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Post-Primary Schools.
16.
Proposals for new post-primary schools reaching my Department generally relate to growing urban areas. Those schools should cater for pupils in the areas in which they are located. They should provide an adequate curriculum, including practical and academic subjects up to leaving certificate level, and should also make provision for adult education. Proposals in recent years have been for the establishment of either community schools or vocational schools. The board of management in the case of community schools to date has six members consisting of two nominees of religious orders, two nominees of the local vocational education committee and two representatives of parents of children of the school. In the case of a vocational school the vocational education committee may appoint a sub-committee constituted in accordance with section 21 of the Vocational Education Act, 1930, to act as a board of management of such schools.
It is considered that, except in very exceptional circumstances, 1,000 pupils is the maximum for which accommodation should be provided in a single school and that in general the upper limit should be 800 pupils. It is also felt that a minimum number of 400-500 pupils should normally be required to warrant the establishment of a single community type school in an area.
In relation to the minimum figure, does the reply indicate that this only relates to the development of new schools and does not colour the Minister's actions in relation to existing schools?
If it refers to new schools I presume it is accepted as an ideal figure for a normal viable unit. I do not think that if an existing school drops below that figure, ipso facto it should be extinguished.
Is it the Government's policy to ensure that schools which exist regardless of the upper or lower limits should be encouraged to continue to exist and that the Department's policy is specifically in relation with the development of new schools?
The Minister was asked about size, type and management structures. I noticed that he carefully avoided all reference to sporting, athletic and other types of facilities for students. Would the Minister make a statement on the type of facilities being provided for students in this respect?
If the Deputy will be patient, a question has been tabled by Deputy Harte which refers to the provision of a sports complex in a school in Buncrana, and when we reach that I will have something to say on sports facilities.
This is not confined to one individual school. It is a general question in regard to type and size and it is causing a lot of anxiety——
The Deputy will not be allowed to make a speech. He will be bound by the Chair. We must be bound by rules of decorum and dignity during Question Time.
May I have a reply to my question?
I share the Deputy's disappointment that the previous Govvernment saw fit to remove from the provision of post-primary schools the question of providing suitable sport complexes. It is my concern that that position be remedied as soon as possible.
The Government have been in office for ten months and they have done nothing.
The Minister should put his money where his mouth is.
17.
asked the Minister for Education if he will consider rationalising the position regarding the purchasing agencies of sites for future post-primary schools.
The question of the purchase of sites for future post-primary schools has relevance mainly to the purchase of sites for community schools and vocational schools. The current procedure is that the sites for these schools are purchased by my Department and the vocational education committees respectively and finance is made available as required when the location of the proposed school has been determined. I am satisfied that the current procedure generally meets the needs of the situation and that alternative arrangements are not required.
Why did the Minister omit any reference to secondary schools?
The reply was in answer to the question tabled and it indicates the Department's position in regard to that question. I do not think the Deputy should expect that I would refer to areas for which the Department have not responsibility in this matter.
Mr. Collins
It was a general question.
It was answered in general terms.
The Minister has indicated he is happy with the position. Does he accept there is a probability that in many cases because of the fact that the purchasing agency of sites for these schools is outside the jurisdiction, control and even influence of the Department that there could be a problem? It could arise that the Department's projected plans in respect of meeting educational needs might not be met because sites are not available, particularly in urban areas. Should the Minister not do something about this matter?
Observance of the tradition which has obtained need not necessarily satisfy future requirements. If such a situation arises I hope the position and the approach will be changed.
If it is necessary, is the Minister willing to grasp the nettle, if I may use a cliché?
Absolutely. It would be the responsibility of the Minister in any area where the traditional approach was not satisfying the needs of the children to ensure that there would be a departure from an approach that was found inadequate.
It is very encouraging.