asked the Minister for Education if consultations have begun on the type of management intended for the secondary school opening in September 1980 in Balally, Dundrum, County Dublin.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dundrum (Dublin) School.
8.
Consultations on the type of management have taken place with representatives of the seven national schools in the catchment area of the proposed new second level school in Balally. Arrangements are in hand to have the matter discussed also at a forthcoming meeting of the Advisory Council on Post-Primary Education in the greater Dublin area.
Has the Minister considered proposals by the County Dublin VEC that a community college be set up here?
The advisory council will be considering that and taking into account the views of the parents representing the seven primary schools in that area.
Is the Minister aware that the teachers in the two VEC schools in the Dundrum area are concerned that the opening of the Balally Community School will mean an ultimate drop in numbers in the VEC schools, perhaps resulting in the closure of the schools?
I do not think there is any danger of that happening. I would regret it very much if the two excellent schools in Dundrum were affected. Generally, as far as the Dublin city area is concerned, we want more places rather than the danger of one school emptying another.
Is the Minister aware of the very large religious minority in the catchment area of the school and that many of the parents are anxious to have a formal representation on the board of management of whatever type of school is finally decided on?
I can assure the Deputy that where there is, as the Deputy says there is in this area, a large religious minority of pupils they will have representation on the board of management.
How will they have representation?
I answered Deputy Horgan last week on that particular matter. There are several channels through which they might have representation.
There has been no chance since last week then?
No, no change. It is the same reply.
Can the Minister tell us if he proposes to have any consultations with the County Dublin Vocational Education Committee independently of the advisory council?
If the committee are represented on the council it would be superfluous to have separate consultations. I do not see what the point of that would be.
If the committee ask to meet the Minister will he agree to that?
I am always open to meeting people who are involved in any area of education including the committee.