Ulick Burke (Galway East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 302: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the progress that has been made in relation to the commitment given by her Department prior to the general election for the continuation of second level education in Kinvara, County Galway; if she has examined the suitability of the sites available in Kinvara; if she has made direct contact with the trustees of a school (details supplied) with a view to providing first intake in September, 2007; the result of this contact; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17941/07]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

On the 16 May 2007, I announced the provision of a new second level school for the Kinvara area. This decision was and remains predicated on the Mercy Order as Trustees of Seamount College accepting first year students each year until the end of the 2011/2012 school year. As part of this announcement, I indicated that I had instructed my officials to enter into discussions with the Trustees on the proposals.

Department officials subsequently met the Trustees to discuss these proposals. Subsequently, the Trustees indicated, inter alia, that while the decision to close the College in 2012 stands, they are open to revisiting the enrolment of first years at the school subject to a number of conditions being meet with. I intend to respond to the Trustees shortly.