asked the Minister for Education the present position and proposals for the Loreto Convent Secondary School, Clonmel, County Tipperary.
101.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Clonmel Secondary School Facilities.
100.
asked the Minister for Education the present departmental policy in respect of secondary education facilities in Clonmel, County Tipperary.
102.
asked the Minister for Education if he is aware of the opposition expressed by the Community and the parents to the proposal to phase out secondary education at Loreto Convent School, Clonmel, County Tipperary; if, in the interests of the children and in the light of the overcrowding of the other secondary schools in the town, he will abandon this proposal; and, if not, if he will indicate how the future education of the children involved is to be provided.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 100, 101 and 102 together.
The policy in all areas of the country is to provide comprehensive facilities through the creation of schools adequate in size and range of facilities. There are at present four post-primary schools in Clonmel catering for a total enrolment of 1,390 pupils. The smallest of these schools is the Loreto Convent with an enrolment of 210 pupils.
My Department has suggested to the Loreto Sisters that they should phase out their secondary school in Clonmel, leaving all girls' secondary education in Clonmel under the care of the Presentation Sisters. This suggestion is at present being considered by the Loreto Sisters. I might mention that this Branch of the Loreto Order has recently in similar circumstances taken over responsibility for the secondary education of all the girls in Fermoy and Youghal, the Presentation Order agreeing to discontinue their secondary schools in both places.
Acting Chairman
The remaining questions will appear on Tuesday's Order Paper. Any Deputy who wants a written reply can have it on request.