Brian Ó Domhnaill (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State and appreciate her response was a script from the Department of Education and Skills. At least, no decision has been made - that is the only thing we can say. However, the Minister has outlined that he cannot support the Church of Ireland College of Education remaining on its current campus where it has been located since 1969. Management of the college may have one view, but from speaking to parents and clergy members of the Church of Ireland, I know they have a very different one. This should be taken into consideration.

I refer to the amalgamation of the NUIG with St. Angela's College in Sligo. That is a non-runner. The best possible attainment in educational output and teacher training is achieved at the college. Thirteen students apply for every place on offer at the college. If it were to be amalgamated with the university in Galway, there would be no teacher training college north of a line running from Dublin to Galway. This would be a retrograde step and a campaign is under way in that regard.