Thomas Byrne (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Cathaoirleach for allowing me to raise this matter regarding Gormanston College, which, according to media reports and public announcements last week, has decided to abandon the fee-paying model. I greatly welcome this decision, as Gormanston College has a marvellous history both in the community and nationally, as well as having a fabulous location. In general, the news has been widely welcomed in the areas of Stamullen, Gormanston and east County Meath in general, where there is something of a crisis in respect of secondary school places. A situation arose there recently about which I raised concerns, in which the local Louth and Meath Education and Training Board school, Coláiste na hInse, was potentially unable to accept all applicants from Stamullen. While this news is welcome, there is a concern within the locality that when two other schools switched from being fee-paying to not being fee-paying, charges remained in place for students.

People want clarity on the position when this school joins the non-fee paying sector but, overall, it is very welcome.