Vol. 547 No. 3
415 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Education and Science when, further to parliamentary Question No. 480 of 23 October 2001 and following his meeting in October 2001 with representatives of the school in question, it is intended to publish the report; the main conclusions of the report; and the action he will take on foot of the report. [3564/02]
As the Deputy is aware, my Department decided to examine post-primary provision in the area referred to by him with a view to possible rationalisation. This decision was taken in light of capital grant applications received from all five post-primary schools in the centre, including the school referred to by the Deputy. It has now been decided to extend the scope of this examination to include the five primary schools in the area.
In view of the extent of this examination, I have decided to appoint a facilitator, Dr. Tom McCarthy, to consult with the local providers with a view to identifying the key issues in relation to primary and post primary school provision in the area. Dr. McCarthy has been supplied with briefing material by the planning and building unit of my Department and is expected to visit the area immediately. It is my intention to make a decision on how best to address the future primary and post-primary requirements of the centre referred to by the Deputy, as early as possible, following consideration of Dr. McCarthy's recommendations in the matter.
