Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 1555: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the action that will be taken for a school (details supplied) in Dublin 5 after its closure in June 2007; the reason for its closure; the educational arrangements that will be put in place for current students after the closure; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1635/07]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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A decision was taken by the Trustees of the school to which the Deputy refers that it will close in June 2007.

This decision was taken because, in line with demographic changes in the area, the school has experienced a steady decline in enrolments in recent years. Current enrolments in feeder primary schools indicate that this decline will continue.

In fact, a general decline in enrolments in the area where the school is located has resulted in spare capacity of an estimated 2,300 places at post primary level.

Coupled with the decline in enrolments, the Department was also concerned about the ability of the school in question to offer a broad and balanced curriculum given the relatively small number of pupils enrolled.

In all of the circumstances, the Department concurred with the Trustees decision to close the school.

When it closes, ownership of the school property, which is currently vested in the trustees, will revert to the Department. In the period leading up to the closure, the Department will consider all available options with regard to its future use.

Given the extent of spare capacity at post primary level in the general area, the Department does not envisage any difficulty in the residue of pupils securing alternative places. Normally a closing school assists its pupils to secure places in the event of any difficulty arising.