Vol. 441 No. 5
14 Mr. Browne (Carlow-Kilkenny) asked the Minister for Education her views on the future for one, two and three teacher schools; her views on whether the number of children more than compensates for the number of classes per teacher; and her views on the importance of these schools to life in rural Ireland.
Many rural schools and some schools which cater for minority communities will continue to operate with a staff of one, two or three teachers. I am satisfied that, in general, these schools are providing a good education for the children concerned and constitute an important part of rural life and of the educational system.
I regard it as essential that there be smaller numbers in multi-grade classes and my Department recognises this fact in providing for a reduced maximum for these classes. I am aware, however, that, in view of such factors as — the declining pupil population at primary level, the provision of specialist services, such as remedial teaching, within schools and the expectations of parents that their children should receive the optimum education at primary level, there will be cases where the rationalisation of smaller schools into larger units will arise for consideration by my Department. My Department is committed to examining each such case on its merits, taking into account educational, social and economic factors and in the light of consultation with management, parents and teachers. In any such examinations great importance will be attached to the views of the local community.
(Carlow-Kilkenny): Cuirim fáilte roimh an dearcadh sin, I am glad the Minister is adopting a positive attitude towards smaller schools because they do excellent work. Where a school might be one short in September, and with the future trend rising, will the Minister accept that if a new principal is employed in a three teacher school resulting in one of the long-serving assistant principals losing a job, rigidly adhering to the number requirements in such a case may not be in the best interests of either the children or the teachers in that school?
Rigidly adhering to specific numbers is not something with which I would like to be associated. There has been reduction this year in the pupil-teacher ratio. Where 39 pupils were required in 1993-94, only 37 pupils are now required. In the case of two consecutive grades, where 37 pupils were required for 1993-94, 36 pupils are now required. Where 35 pupils were required in multi-grade classes in 1993-94, only 33 pupils are required for 1994-95. Not only do the larger schools benefit from the reduction in the pupil-teacher ratio, but there is a recognition that we should remove as much burden from the teachers as possible, particularly in the multi-grade classrooms in one and two teacher schools. In recognition of that, I was pleased to announce those changes for 1994-95.
(Carlow-Kilkenny): I welcome any reduction in the pupil-teacher ratio but I ask the Minister to take special note of situations where the shortage of one pupil in the quota can lead to a reduction in staff in a three teacher school and cause much inconvenience. Where a two teacher school is closed down and a bus service is provided to another school that can lead to much inconvenience and expense, as the Minister of State will understand.
We all must realise that there has been a dramatic reduction in the school population, particularly at primary level. Major rationalisation took place following an OECD report in 1960. At a recent convention, the issue of school rationalisation was addressed.
People were concerned that we should meet pupils' needs. There was an interesting discussion about the need to have a school which was viable in terms of numbers and in providing for the needs of different children. I am conscious of the positive effects on a community of having a primary school but we must recognise that there has been a dramatic fall in the number of primary school pupils. While the Department will not rush in to close schools many issues must be taken into account. The benefits I have been able to establish by reducing the pupil-teacher ratio while keeping 700 teachers in the system was as a result of the reduction in the number of primary school pupils.
