Vol. 406 No. 4
43 Mr. Enright asked the Minister for Education if she will consider the provision of two post-primary schools in Portlaoise, County Laois, in view of the fact that the catchment area for the town in primary education has in excess of 2,200 pupils, and with a six year cycle being provided in the future in post-primary education, one school would be too large in Portlaoise.
The figure as quoted by the Deputy is not correct. The combined enrolment of the three schools in Portlaoise has declined from just over 1,300 in 1987-88 to 1,149 at present.
The need for rationalisation has been accepted by the managements of the three schools and discussions and consultations among all the interested parties, including parents and teachers have been conducted at local level.
The most recent statistical data available to the Department indicates that a single school development would most adequately cater for the future needs of the centre.
Recently I met representatives of the trustees of the schools to discuss this issue. I intend also to have discussions in the matter shortly with the parents' representatives and teacher representatives.
I do not wish to pre-empt the outcome of discussions at local level between myself and the other interested parties which have not yet been concluded. I would hope that a consensus on this issue will emerge.
