Vol. 354 No. 12
asked the Minister for Education the immediate steps she is proposing to take to resolve the urgent situation which now exists in Coolmine Community School, County Dublin, whereby approximately 127 pupils have had to be sent home already, and where there are clear signs that the problem could escalate in other areas throughout the country.
454.
asked the Minister for Education the action she intends to take to credit pupils of Coolmine Community School for the loss of tuition time in certain subjects in relation to the forthcoming intermediate and leaving certificate examinations as the pupils are presenting themselves for their classes but are not being taught at the moment; when it is expected that the dispute will be resolved; if she is taking any steps to resolve it, if she is aware that at 4 December 1984 seven school days have already been lost in this on-going situation and if she will acknowledge that a decision in relation to class sizes could be deemed a national headline for all such schools.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 453 and 454 together.
The dispute referred to is related to the internal organisation of the school in question. The deed of trust under which such schools operate specifies that the board of management have responsibility for the organisation and curriculum of the school and that the principal, subject to the direction of the board, shall control the internal organisation, management and discipline of the school. The difficulty which has arisen in the school in question is accordingly one for consideration by the principal and the board of management.
