Vol. 536 No. 6
230 Mr. U. Burke asked the Minister for Education and Science the plans he has to provide grants for upgrading and extension of education facilities at Banagher's two second level schools; and the plans he has to develop a community school or a community college at this centre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15205/01]
Both second level schools in Banagher, La Sainte Union secondary school and St. Rynagh's vocational school, require significant capital expenditure to provide up to date facilities. In the circumstances and having regard also to declining demographic trends in the area, my Department decided to examine the possibility of a single school development in the town.
Following a series of meetings between officials of the planning section of my Department and the trustees of the schools concerned, there is general agreement on the need to amalgamate the two schools. Agreement has not been reached on a management model for the proposed school, but the trustees have indicated their willingness to have the appropriate model decided by the Minister for Education and Science. Careful consideration is being given to this matter at present and a decision will be communicated to the trustees at the earliest possible date.
