Vol. 574 No. 2
114 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science his views on the McCarthy report that was commissioned for New Ross, County Wexford; when this report will be acted on; his plans for the report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26525/03]
My Department initiated a review of post-primary provision in the New Ross area principally to achieve rationalisation among the existing five providers. The review arose following the receipt of applications for capital funding from the managerial authorities of all post-primary providers and against a backdrop of declining enrolments. The scope of the review was subsequently extended to include the five primary schools in the area. One of these schools, St. Catherine's Church of Ireland, has since closed.
In view of the extent of the review, Dr. Tom McCarthy was appointed as a facilitator to consult with the local providers and to identify the key issues for primary and post-primary school provision in the area. His report is currently under consideration in my Department and his recommendations will assist in finalising the optimum strategy for educational provision in New Ross in the future.
His report is also already being acted upon. I do not, however, intend to move unilaterally on this matter. The Deputy will agree that the scale of change potentially involved means that it is right and proper that the schools' trustees are consulted and that discussions should also involve both Kilkenny County Council and New Ross Town Council. Discussions, with the latter parties in particular, are necessary to ensure the greatest possible clarity regarding demographic changes and housing formation in the area that will inevitably impact on educational provision.
While discussions have already taken place with both the trustees and the local authority officials, further dialogue is necessary before finalising the likely future shape of educational provision in New Ross.
