Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 14 April 2016
686. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Education and Skills if she is aware that a school (details supplied) in County Carlow is set to close; that the school was recently renovated two years ago; that it has an extremely important autism spectrum disorder unit; that parents and members of the community were not consulted on the closure; and if she will meet the parent's association to discuss this urgent issue. [6559/16]
View answerMy Department was advised by Kilkenny and Carlow ETB that in light of the number of students that have enrolled for the school year 2016/17 and due to the declining enrolments over a number of years, that the ETB will not be proceeding with the enrolment of new first year students in Muine Bheag Vocational School for the coming school year, 2016-17. The ETB has indicated that this position has been reached following detailed deliberations concerning the viability of the school.
Following contact with the ETB, my Department has since been advised that the ETB is proposing to set up a review group representative of local stakeholders, to look into all aspects of the situation in the school and to consider possible solutions for the future. The process of establishing this group will start immediately and the ETB has undertaken to advise my Department of any further proposals in relation to the future of the school. My Department can review the position following the outcome of the review group's work.
