Vol. 561 No. 3
117 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Education and Science if he has satisfied himself at arrangements made whereby it appears that the sole manager of Tinahely national school, County Wicklow, resides in Rathfarnham, County Dublin, while there is no board of management in existence; when he intends to re-appoint a board of management; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4136/03]
Under the terms of section 16 of the Education Act 1998 the patron of a school may, subject to the consent of the Minister, dissolve a board of management and appoint a single manager to perform the functions of the board. In November 2002, at the request of the patron, I approved the appointment of a single manager of Tinahely national school. I am aware that there are serious issues to be resolved in relation to the operation of the school and that the appointment of a single manager is the most prudent course at this time. In accordance with the terms of section 14 of the Education Act 1998, it is the duty of the patron to appoint, where practicable, a board of management, and I am not in a position at this stage to say when that course will be followed.
