Vol. 531 No. 1
174 Mr. Flanagan asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will give an update on the review of primary and second level facilities and needs in Portlaoise, County Laois; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5103/01].
The Deputy will be aware that, following a meeting with the school authorities in Portlaoise, and visits to several schools in the area last October, I decided to appoint a facilitator to assist in the development of a long-term plan for the provision of primary and post-primary school accommodation in the area. Accordingly, Dr. Tom McCarthy, former senior lecturer in industrial relations at Trinity College and former education officer with SIPTU, was appointed to the position.
Dr. McCarthy is actively involved in this process at present and has met with representatives of the existing school providers in Portlaoise. He is expected to complete his work in this area in the next month.
It is my intention to make a decision on how best to address the future primary and postprimary requirements of Portlaoise, as early as possible, following receipt and consideration of Dr. McCarthy's report and recommendations in the matter.
