Page 18 - The Gonzaga Record 1986
P. 18
c) To the Jesuit community and staff.
d) To the present parents.
These presentations would take place with an increasing degree of
assurance, and with decreasing possibilities of modification of the
proposals.
REACTIONS OF THE MINISTER AND DEPARTMENT
The Minister of Education and his officials received this proposal with
much courtesy, and indeed not a little interest. But it was clear from the
beginning that nothing much would happen. The general argument was
that: (a) The Department did not intend to build any more comprehens-
ive schools. For one thing, they were extremely expensive to build and
run. (b) There was a move towards the community type school, rather
than comprehensives. (c) The Ranelagh area was already fairly well
supplied with schools. There was no great pressure for a comprehensive.
(d) Any funds available in the foreseeable future were already ear-marked
for the newly built-up areas of the city such as Ballyfermot, Blanchards-
town, etc.
What Next?
A quick perusal of the proposal submitted to the Minister can make it
look rather ordinary, even bland. It can give no idea of the weeks and
months of examination and argument that went into its composition.
Even though it was turned down, the efforts that went into it were by no
means wasted. The social problems of a fee-paying school had been
looked at critically and honestly. The Jesuits did not get what was their
preferential option, but it meant that their options became clearer, and
much of the ground was already covered when they turned to those other
options.
It would be tedious to give a full reporting of the other options so the
reader will be content with a much briefer account.
To enter the 'free' system of secondary education
This was examined in detail and given serious consideration. And the
experience of many schools that had entered the scheme was consulted.
The general consensus was that it was the worst of both worlds. What
the Department was offering to run and maintain the schools was
considered altogether inadequate. By law, once you entered the 'free'
scheme no fees, however small, could be asked. One could suggest to the
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d) To the present parents.
These presentations would take place with an increasing degree of
assurance, and with decreasing possibilities of modification of the
proposals.
REACTIONS OF THE MINISTER AND DEPARTMENT
The Minister of Education and his officials received this proposal with
much courtesy, and indeed not a little interest. But it was clear from the
beginning that nothing much would happen. The general argument was
that: (a) The Department did not intend to build any more comprehens-
ive schools. For one thing, they were extremely expensive to build and
run. (b) There was a move towards the community type school, rather
than comprehensives. (c) The Ranelagh area was already fairly well
supplied with schools. There was no great pressure for a comprehensive.
(d) Any funds available in the foreseeable future were already ear-marked
for the newly built-up areas of the city such as Ballyfermot, Blanchards-
town, etc.
What Next?
A quick perusal of the proposal submitted to the Minister can make it
look rather ordinary, even bland. It can give no idea of the weeks and
months of examination and argument that went into its composition.
Even though it was turned down, the efforts that went into it were by no
means wasted. The social problems of a fee-paying school had been
looked at critically and honestly. The Jesuits did not get what was their
preferential option, but it meant that their options became clearer, and
much of the ground was already covered when they turned to those other
options.
It would be tedious to give a full reporting of the other options so the
reader will be content with a much briefer account.
To enter the 'free' system of secondary education
This was examined in detail and given serious consideration. And the
experience of many schools that had entered the scheme was consulted.
The general consensus was that it was the worst of both worlds. What
the Department was offering to run and maintain the schools was
considered altogether inadequate. By law, once you entered the 'free'
scheme no fees, however small, could be asked. One could suggest to the
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