Vol. 475 No. 1
211 Mr. E. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Education if she proposes to make financial support available for both capital outlay and current expenditure in the event of the Cork County Vocational Education Committee being prepared to take over St. Mary's secondary school; and if her attention has been drawn to the concern of the people of Buttevant, County Cork in view of the fact that, if the school closes, they will have no post-primary facility. [4317/97]
As I indicated in my reply to Question No. 216 of 28 January 1997, discussions are ongoing between my Department and the relevant parties in Buttevant with a view to making alternative arrangements for the continuity of educational provision for post-primary pupils from that area. In the event that a formal proposal from County Cork Vocational Education Committee to take over the management of St. Mary's secondary school is received in my Department, it will receive immediate attention. The question of making financial support available for this purpose will be considered at that stage.
I am very much aware that the closure of a school can cause inconvenience for pupils, teachers and parents in the area involved. I can assure the Deputy that every effort is being made by my Department to ensure that unnecessary inconvenience for those concerned in this case is avoided.
