Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

The proposal to amalgamate came as a shock to the parents, as there was no preparation done by the patron in that respect. A survey was carried out but I do not think that anybody expected, as a result of a demand for co-education, that there would be an amalgamation and the closure of one of the schools. I am in favour of co-education in the school complex, as are the parents, but I do not believe this is the best outcome.

I take on board the commitment made by the Minister of State that the Minister has the final approval, but what was presented to parents was a fait accompli. These schools suffered the consequences of child sex abuse in the past, and one of the worst offenders, Fr. Tony Walsh, who was cited in chapter 19 of the Murphy report, was one of those who went to these schools to pick out victims at random. They have suffered the consequences and we do not want a situation where the educational atmosphere is affected in any way by an amalgamation which adds to overcrowding and which increases the pupil-teacher ratio, but which also limits the scope for development in the future. I urge the Minister of State to ensure there is no sale of land involved, or at the very least, that the order is encouraged to transfer the lands and buildings into the possession of the State which can then work with the remaining three schools under the Dominican order, if they continue to be the patrons of those schools, to run successful schools, as is currently the case in Ballyfermot. I am hopeful the Minister of State and the Minister can ensure parents' fears are put at ease over the next few weeks and months as the De La Salle order withdraws from the school.

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