John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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Question 307: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the reason her Department made a decision to close a college (details supplied) in County Dublin despite the advice of consultants and her own Department officials; if she will reconsider this decision to close the college and implement the recommendations of the consultant and advisors to keep the college open; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23287/04]

Brian O'Shea (Waterford, Labour)
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Question 309: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if she proposes to reconsider the decision to close a school (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23289/04]

Seán Haughey (Dublin North Central, Fianna Fail)
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Question 336: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if she will reconsider the decision to close a college (details supplied) in County Dublin, if she will implement the recommendations of the consultant and advisors to keep the college open and forge a link with one of the Dublin based universities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23478/04]

Seán Ryan (Dublin North, Labour)
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Question 339: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if she will report on the circumstances and rationale of the closure of a school (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23523/04]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 307, 309, 336 and 339 together.

The issue of the future of the college, which is the subject of the questions posed by the Deputies, arose in the context of a decision by the trustees of the college that, due to personnel and financial considerations, they were no longer in a position to fulfil the role of trustees of the college.

Following discussions between the trustees and my Department, it was agreed that a consultant would be appointed who would meet with relevant parties and prepare a report on the options for the college's future consideration. The consultant's report was thoroughly examined in my Department and the options for the future of the college were set out for my predecessor's consideration. Having carefully considered all of them and having taken into account other factors such as the national spatial strategy, relevant costs in a time of financial constraint, a Government decision to restrict public service numbers, the need to secure value for money and a better allocation of resources, the former Minister, Deputy Dempsey decided that these considerations are best served by the closure of the college and the designation of St. Angela's College, Sligo, as the sole centre for the training of home economics teachers.

It was agreed that the closure of the college would be phased over three academic years to facilitate students currently enrolled in the college to fully complete their studies without moving location and to ensure that there was an adequate transition period for staff. Officials from my Department have already met with the trustees and with management authorities of the college to discuss the necessary practical arrangements, including arrangements in relation to the position of the staff of the college. I have no plans to reconsider the decision to close the college.