School Closures.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 29 January 2004

Thursday, 29 January 2004

Ceisteanna (113)

Ruairí Quinn

Ceist:

108 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the fact that a secondary school (details supplied) in Dublin 4 has announced its intention to close in 2007; if his Department was consulted; if so, if it gave its consent to this decision; the steps he proposes to take to ensure alternative provision is provided in the locality in consultation with the parents and local interests; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2595/04]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. N. Dempsey)

My Department has been advised of the proposed closure on a phased basis of the school to which the Deputy refers. You will appreciate that a secondary school is a privately owned and managed institution and a decision to close such a school is a matter for the trustees.

My main concern in a school closure is to ensure that the best interests of the pupils are looked after in the period up to the closure and that there will be sufficient pupils places in existing schools in the general area for pupils who would have normally enrolled in the closing school. This process will involve consultation with all affected parties.