Ms Eileen Curtis:

It is a very difficult situation. Initially, the concerns about viability and the learning experience for the young people concerned were the two issues that drove looking into the situation. At that time, in 2015 and 2016, there were three groups that had 13 students. This year we would have four groups that have smaller numbers. The report identified that the bulge was at the senior cycle so when they left school that would reduce the number to approximately 80. It was on that projection that the concern was raised.