Josepha Madigan (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Ceann Comhairle for allowing me to speak on this Topical Issue, which is of great concern to many of my constituents in Dublin-Rathdown. The announcement of the closure of the Notre Dame schools in Churchtown came as a great shock to parents of students in the schools who were not given any notification that the school was to close. The Notre Dame secondary school has 150 pupils, while the junior school has 100 pupils. Although the junior school is a fee-paying private school, the Department has some oversight in respect of the secondary school.

Parents learned from media reports that the schools were to close. I understand the junior school will close in June 2017 and the senior school will close in summer 2019. Some allowance has been made, therefore, but the parents I met last Sunday are devastated by the decision. One particular woman lost her husband two weeks ago and her five year old child has been crying every day because the child must move school.

When did the Department learn that the schools were to close? What steps were taken to address the lack of funds in the schools, which were clearly not viable? Why were parents not informed that this would happen?

I am aware that a trust was established which is not subject to the oversight of the Department. Members of the trust also have questions to answer when I and a number of parents meet the chair this evening.

This is extremely stressful for all those involved. I ask the Minister to clarify whether a competition to have other schools open on the site will be expedited. I am aware that ownership of the site has transferred to the Department. The possibility of a Gaelscoil or Educate Together school opening on the site has been mooted. I would like the process to be expedited and I ask the Minister to provide clarity on when this will happen.

The announcement of the closure of the Notre Dame schools has caused great distress. We are all aware of the significant waiting times for schools in all localities. What action is the Department taking on the issue? Will the Minister communicate directly with the parents to find a resolution?

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