Vol. 547 No. 3
392 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Education and Science the action he is taking on foot of his meeting with parents of the Patrician College, Ballyfin, County Laois regarding their objections to the proposed amalgamation of their school with Portlaoise VEC; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that parents are dissatisfied with his Department's response so far to their concerns; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3399/02]
The management authorities at the Patrician College, Ballyfin indicated to my Department some time ago that they were not in a position to continue to provide post-primary education in Ballyfin. As an alternative, they proposed to participate in the management of an amalgamated community college with County Laois VEC. I should emphasise that, as trustees of the Patrician College, the decision to withdraw from trusteeship and management of the school is a matter for the Patrician Brothers. The issue for me as Minister for Education and Science is how post-primary educational provision in the catchment should be structured to best effect, having regard to the brothers' decision and the major capital funding required by the other post-primary schools in the area. Taking all factors into account, I am of the view that the appropriate course of action is to support the decision taken by the Patrician Brothers and the VEC to amalgamate in a new community college on the outskirts of Portlaoise. Substantial capital investment in three modern schools in Portlaoise is the best strategy for meeting the needs of all students of the catchment area.
