School Closures.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 December 2009

Tuesday, 8 December 2009

Ceisteanna (417)

Niall Collins

Ceist:

439 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Education and Science, further to Parliamentary Question No. 317 of 26 November 2009, if his officials will contact the board of management of a school (details supplied) in County Limerick, to ascertain the position regarding the future of the school, in view of the fact that parents of the pupils attending the school are now in receipt of further correspondence from the school board of management that implies that there is a possibility of the school closing in or before 2013; if he will be in a position, following this contact between his officials and the school, to clarify his plans to facilitate the appointment of alternative trustees in the event of no trustees being found; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45725/09]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education and Science (Deputy Batt O’Keeffe)

As the Deputy will be aware, officials in my Department recently met with the Trustees of the school to which he refers. The Trustees expressed some concern about the future of the school and it is my understanding that they are considering a number of options in this regard.

The Department understand that the Trustees have recently met with the Board of Management, staff and representatives of the parents from the school to inform them of their concerns on its viability. Officials from my Department will shortly contact the Trustees to clarify their intentions.

The Department decision will depend on the Trustees' and Board of Management's decision on the school's future.