Ulick Burke (Fine Gael)

I welcome the Minister and thank Senator Kitt for sharing his time with me. I endorse Senator Kitt's point. When two schools decide to amalgamate on an agreed basis, this should not be neglected but endorsed and moved along as quickly as possible, as should be the case in Tuam. This is a time of great change for the staff, boards of management and trustees of both colleges. It is, therefore, important the Minister moves the project forward so that progress can take place in an atmosphere of mutual respect and agreement.

All too often, the idea of amalgamation has caused great dissension and division between staffs. When a proposal is agreed by the boards of management and all involved, they should be enabled to work together. These staff will have to complete their working lives together and, as Senator Kitt stated, it is important we move quickly to achieve a resolution and that a timeframe is given so there will be no opportunity for some to begin complaining, which would lead to further disruption. If the project is delayed for too long, perhaps some other plans will be put in place which would jeopardise the concept of amalgamation.