Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 17 Oct 1995

Vol. 457 No. 1

Written Answers. - Cabra Schools for the Deaf.

Róisín Shortall

Ceist:

134 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Education the plans, if any, she has to amalgamate the two Cabra schools for the deaf; the outcome of the meetings held on 27 June 1995, and 3 October 1995, between her Department and the schools' authorities; the reason the staffs of these schools were not invited to these meetings in view of the seriousness of this issue; if she will ensure that there is appropriate staff representation at the next meeting on 14 November 1995, and at all future meetings on the subject; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14974/95]

Minister for Education (Ms Bhreathnach)

The meetings in June and October 1995 to which the Deputy refers were held at the request of the trustees of the schools in question. The trustees had expressed an interest in investigating the possibility of amalgamation. The discussions were concerned with establishing whether agreement in principle could be reached on an amalgamation of the two schools. In the course of the discussions, a number of possible difficulties were identified and it was agreed to discuss these difficulties at future meetings.

I am pleased to inform the Deputy that the staff representative on the board of management of each school will be invited to the next meeting which is scheduled to take place on 14 November 1995.