Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 12 Nov 2003

Vol. 574 No. 2

Written Answers. - Special Educational Needs.

Michael Noonan

Question:

240 Mr. Noonan asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the fact that due to the phased closure of Edmund Rice College, Limerick, students who would have attended this college from St. Munchin's and Moyross parishes are now being catered for in St. Nessan's College and that the resources which were put in place at Edmund Rice college to cater for educationally disadvantaged pupils are not being transferred to St. Nessan's College, and that consequently facilities essential to certain students are no longer available; the steps he intends taking to ensure that the support services required by students from four disadvantaged schools in St. Munchin's and Moyross parishes are made available at St. Nessan's; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26765/03]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. N. Dempsey)

My Department has been advised of the proposed school closure to which the Deputy refers. In this situation, my Department's primary concern will be to ensure that all other schools in the area in question, including St. Nessan's College, will between them have the capacity to cater for the needs of those students affected by the closure through appropriate ongoing staffing provision.