Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 1 December 2004
216 Mr. J. Higgins asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will reverse the decision to close a college (details supplied) in County Dublin considering that this decision was made contrary to the advice of the consultant and her officials. [31635/04]
View answerThe issue of the future of the college arose in the context of a decision by the trustees of the college that, due to personnel and financial considerations, they were no longer in a position to fulfil the role of trustees of the college. Following discussions between the trustees and my Department, it was agreed that a consultant would be appointed to meet with relevant parties and prepare a report on the options for the college's future. The consultant's report was thoroughly examined in my Department and the options for the future of the college were set out for my predecessor's consideration. Having carefully considered the options and taking 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, the then Minister for Education and Science, Deputy Noel Dempsey, 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.
It was agreed that the closure of the college would be phased over three academic years to facilitate students currently enrolled in the college to fully complete their studies without moving location and to ensure that there was an adequate transition period for staff. On that basis, there has been no intake of first-year students to the college for the 2004-05 year. The college is due to close following the 2006-07 academic year. Those students are now enrolled in St. Angela's College. Officials from my Department have already met with the trustees and with management authorities of the college to discuss the necessary practical arrangements, including arrangements for the staff of the college.
In addition, accompanied by a senior official from my Department, I recently met with the board of governors and students of the college in question to further discuss the necessary practical arrangements regarding the closure. The concerns of the staff, and how these can be addressed, were discussed. I have no plans to reconsider the decision to close the college.
