asked the Minister for Education if, in view of the proposed closure of the secondary school now run by the Sisters of Mercy in Borrisoleigh, County Tipperary, he will make a comprehensive statement on his policy covering such proposed withdrawals by a religious order.
Written Answers. - County Tipperary School.
58.
The decision to close the Convent of Mercy Girls' secondary school in Borrisoleigh was taken entirely by the Sisters of Mercy themselves and I do not consider that it would be proper for me to interfere with their freedom of action in the matter. My Department is at present considering the question of the most appropriate arrangements to be made for the provision of girls' second-level education in the area. Each situation arising from the withdrawal of a Religious Order from second-level education in an area has to be considered individually and the primary consideration in all cases must be the educational interests of the pupils concerned.