INISHOWEN schools could
be pushed beyond capacity with an influx of new
students if 'grannying' is stamped out in Derry.
Moville-based Senator and Seanad education
spokesperson Cecilia Keaveney said the authorities
needed to be aware of the problem brewing in border
areas.
"Many students currently in the system in Derry,
should schools adhere to stricter admission
criteria, could be compelled to attend schools in
Donegal," said Senator Keaveney.
"The reality could present itself that Donegal
schools like Bridgend, Muff, Carrigans, Newtown and
Tooban might be a fast developing school as they
gain a very sudden injection of numbers. It is
important that these schools are maintained to a
level that ensures that they can facilitate such a
change should it take place."
Grannying is where Derry people who moved across the
border to live in Donegal continue to send their
children to Derry schools using the children's
grandparents' address.
Senator Keaveney said the peninsula's four secondary
schools could also be hit. "The second level schools
of Crana College, Scoil Mhuire, Buncrana, Carndonagh
Community School, or Moville Community College,
cannot be ignored as a potential location for an
influx of unexpected students.
"The Department should be aware of the current
status of the "grannied student cohort". They are
real people. Should criteria change before September
in how Derry schools approach the issue it could be
a fast change in direction for us all to adapt to
and many of these schools have outstanding issues
that would have to be dealt with even for their
present cohort."
Senator Keaveney warned that to deal exclusively
with any one priority list to the exclusion of all
others, was "not good forward planning".
"The Department officials did confirm that they have
had discussions with the Department of Education in
the North on the matter. The fact that they are
aware is an important first point.
"The fact that they did state too that works to
maintain schools would also continue is important in
the context of a number of the schools I mentioned.
However, the Government commitment to the
improvement of facilities is seen in the new schools
sanctioned for Moville and Clonmany." |
