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College Closures.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 29 September 2004

Wednesday, 29 September 2004

Questions (314, 315, 316, 317, 318, 319, 320)

Michael Ring

Question:

493 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will reverse the closure of a college and forge a link with one of the Dublin based universities. [22151/04]

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Dan Neville

Question:

514 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will rescind his decision to close a college (details supplied) in County Dublin and enter into discussions with college authorities with regard to the future of the college; and if he will implement the recommendations of the consultant and advisers to keep the college open and forge a link with one of the Dublin-based universities. [22258/04]

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Gay Mitchell

Question:

526 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will reverse the decision he has made contrary to the advice of a consultant and his own Department officials to close a college (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22286/04]

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Richard Bruton

Question:

548 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science the reasons he rejected the advice of the consultant and his own Department officials in respect of the closure of a college (details supplied) in County Dublin and the consolidation of all home economics teacher education in Sligo; and if he has had discussions with the board of governors of this college to discuss its concerns. [22404/04]

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John Deasy

Question:

567 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will reconsider his decision to close a college (details supplied) in view of recommendations given by his own Department officials and consultants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22519/04]

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Finian McGrath

Question:

571 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason he ignored the advice of a consultant and his Department officials regarding the closure of a college (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if he will reconsider his decision and forge a link with Dublin-based universities. [22532/04]

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Willie Penrose

Question:

596 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will reconsider his decision to close a college (details supplied) in County Dublin, implement the recommendations of the advisory group and forge a link with one of the Dublin-based universities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22773/04]

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Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 493, 514, 526, 548, 567, 571 and 596 together.

The question of the future of the college referred to by the Deputies arose in the context of a decision by the trustees of the college. Due to personnel and financial considerations, the trustees decided they were no longer in a position to fulfil their role. Following discussions between the trustees and my Department, it was agreed that a consultant would be appointed to meet the relevant parties and prepare a report on the options available for my consideration. The consultant's report was thoroughly examined in my Department and the options for the future of the college set out. Having carefully considered all of them and having taken into account other factors such as the national spatial strategy, relevant costs in a time of financial constraint, a Government decision to restrict public service numbers, the need to secure value for money and a better allocation of resources, I decided that these considerations are best served by the closure of the college and the designation of St. Angela's College, Sligo as the sole centre for the training of home economics teachers.

The closure of the college will be phased over the next three academic years to facilitate students currently enrolled in completing their course of training. Officials from my Department have already met with the trustees and management authorities of the college to discuss making the necessary practical arrangements including those on the position of the staff of the college.

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