Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for raising this issue. I am very much aware of the concern of the Deputy which has been expressed on a number of occasions in the House. As the Minister of State, Deputy Mitchell O'Connor, said I met parents and the board of the school. Genuine efforts have been made to resolve differences, but they have not been fruitful to date.

The position has changed to an extent, in that two things have occurred. I understand the board of management has taken a legal case in respect of the sale of the land and that case is due to be heard in the High Court in March. Clearly, it would be inappropriate for me to speculate about the outcome of that matter which is before the court.

Separately, I have been informed by my Department officials that the patron of Clonkeen College, ERST, has now sought approval to dissolve the board of management of the college in accordance with section 16 of the Education Act 1998. I understand that request is connected to the legal case taken by the board of management regarding the sale of the land. However, the statutory process of dissolution is under way and, as Minister for Education and Skills, I must take a decision having considered the submissions made on all sides.

I have a statutory duty to consider the request in accordance with the provisions of that Act and it would be inappropriate for me to comment on matters which are related to the dissolution. To make such a comment would be to prejudge a statutory function which I, as Minister, must now discharge, having received the best legal advice. I thank the Deputy for raising this issue and giving me the opportunity to outline the position as it now stands.

See this speech in context