Pat Carey (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)
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Question 760: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if, in view of the replies to Questions Nos. 787 of 14 June 2005 and 718 of 28 June 2005 regarding the impending closure of the school, the discussions which have taken place with the religious order concerned regarding the discharging by her Department of its leasehold interest in the property; if these discussions and the audit referred to in correspondence (details supplied) is preventing the order from engaging in discussions with other potential users of the property post the closure of the primary school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10369/06]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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The legal representatives of the trustees of the school in question have written to the Department of Education and Science seeking to have the property in question divested from the existing school lease. The Deputy will appreciate that the Department must ensure that the closure of any school does not have long-term implications for accommodation in an area.

Particular cognisance must be taken of potential difficulties in urban areas, as in this instance, in acquiring alternative accommodation to meet outstanding or newly emerging needs. In the circumstances, before taking a decision in this matter, the Department's school planning section is carrying out a review of the area to determine its educational requirements in the medium to long term. This extensive review will take into account current and future demographics, planned housing developments and the likely demand for diversity in provision in the future. When the review has been completed, a decision will be communicated directly to the trustees involved.