I propose to take Questions 260 and 261 together.
I am not aware of what local consultations may have preceded the decision by the Patrician Brothers and County Laois Vocational Education Committee to amalgamate their existing schools to form a new community college in Portlaoise. I am informed that, since the decision was announced by the trustees on 31 August last, there have been at least five meetings with representatives of parents and-or teaching staff, specifically to listen to their concerns.
To my knowledge, the trustees of the Patrician College met both parent and staff representatives and Dr. Tom McCarthy, facilitator, also met both parties. I met a deputation of Patrician College parents and officials of my Department met with both parent and teacher representatives on three occasions, the last such meeting lasting more than three hours. In the circumstances, there has been full engagement with the school community in Ballyfin and they have been given many opportunities to express their views regarding the trustees' decision. In that regard, the parents' and teachers' representatives have made a formal submission to my Department which is under active consideration at present.
Community colleges which arise from greenfield developments or amalgamations are given formal effect in articles of agreement between the parties to the new school. In this case, I understand that the articles have been signed by County Laois VEC only. I am unaware of the date of signature.
