Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 10 November 2004
257 Mr. Healy asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will consider the decision to close a college (details supplied) in County Dublin and implement the recommendations of the consultants and advisers to keep the college open and to forge links with one of the Dublin based universities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28292/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe decision to close the college arose in the context of the determination by the trustees that personnel and financial considerations meant they were no longer in a position to fulfil their role. Following discussions between the trustees and my Department, it was agreed that a consultant would be appointed to meet relevant parties and prepare a report on the options for the college's future. The consultant's report was thoroughly examined in my Department and the options set out for my predecessor's consideration.
Having carefully considered all of them and having taken into account other factors such as the national spatial strategy, relevant costs in a time of financial constraint, a Government decision to restrict public service numbers, the need to secure value for money and a better allocation of resources, Deputy Noel Dempsey decided they were best served by the closure of the college and the designation of St. Angela's College, Sligo, as the sole centre for the training of home economics teachers.
It was agreed that the closure of the college would be phased over three academic years to facilitate students currently enrolled to complete their studies without moving location and to ensure that there was an adequate transition period for staff. On that basis, there has been no intake of first year students to the college for the 2004-05 year. Instead, these students are now in St. Angela's College. Officials from my Department have already met with the trustees and management authorities of the college to discuss necessary practical arrangements including those relating to the position of the college staff. In addition, a senior official from my Department and I met recently with the board of governors and students of St. Catherine's College to further discuss, among other things, the necessary practical arrangements on the closure. I have no plans to reconsider the decision to close the college.
