Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 25 November 2004
83 Mr. Connolly asked the Minister for Education and Science if she has proposals to reconsider the closure of a college (details supplied) in County Dublin against the advice which recommended its merging with UCD as the most beneficial of several options; her reasons for rejecting the consultant’s and officials’ advice; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30533/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe issue of the future of the college in question arose in the context of a decision by its trustees that due to personnel and financial considerations they were no longer in a position to fulfil their roles. Following discussions between the trustees and my Department, it was agreed that a consultant would be appointed to meet with 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 for the future of the college, including a merger with UCD, were set out for my predecessor's consideration. Having carefully considered the options and 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 the considerations 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 currently enrolled students in fully completing 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. The college is due to close following the 2006-07 academic year. Home economic students are now enrolled in St. Angela's College.
Officials from my Department have already met with the trustees and with management authorities of the college to discuss the necessary practical arrangements, including arrangements on the position of the staff of the college. In addition, a senior official from my Department and I met recently with the board of governors and students of St. Catherine's to further discuss, among other things, the necessary practical arrangements regarding the closure. Considerations of the staff, their priorities and how these can be facilitated were discussed. I have no plans to reconsider the decision to close the college.
