Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 1211: To ask the Minister for Education and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 32 of 2 July 2009, if concerns expressed in the whole school evaluation at a school (details supplied) in Dublin 7 have been addressed; the steps he has taken to address the problems in this school since July 2009; his views on whether the closure of this school is necessary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33612/09]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I have already expressed my very great concern regarding the serious weaknesses that were identified in the WSE report in relation to the school in question.

Officials in my Department have held further meetings with the management of the school over the summer period. At the last meeting the chairperson of the school reported that the board had appointed a fully qualified teacher to serve as principal of the school. The local inspector has visited the school since the commencement of the new school year and has provided advice and support for the principal.

I can assure the Deputy that my officials will continue to engage closely with the patron and the Board and that the quality of the school's work will be monitored through further inspection visits during the coming school year.

The Patron of this school has indicated to the Department that he wishes the school to continue while fully acknowledging that the difficulties at the school have to be resolved. My Department's focus at this time is to support the school in bringing about the required improvements.