Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

244. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the reason his reply to Parliamentary Question No. 458 of 6 September 2019 did not reply to the question posed; the reason the commitment to meet a deputation was not honoured before a decision made in relation to the subject matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37665/19]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

246. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the consideration which was given to the concerns raised in Topical Issue Debate No. 3 of 2 July 2019 on the proposed closure of two second-level schools (details supplied) in County Cavan with particular reference to the commitment of the Minister of State with special responsibility for higher education to bring these issues to his attention; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37667/19]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

248. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if funding has been committed to a proposed project (details supplied); if so, when a decision was made; the level of funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37669/19]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

252. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the reason detailed and comprehensive submissions (details supplied) forwarded to his Department were not acknowledged on the proposed closure of two second-level schools; his views on whether this manner of ignoring the views of local communities and organisations is unacceptable; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37726/19]

Joe McHugh (Donegal, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I propose to take Questions Nos. 244, 246, 248 and 252 together.

As the Deputy is aware the decision making authority for any amalgamation is the Patron/Trustees of the schools, and this is subject to the approval of my Department. I can confirm to the Deputy that my Department has recently approved an application from Cavan Monaghan Education & Training Board to amalgamate St Mogues College and St Bricin’s College in West Cavan.

The schools will continue to operate from the existing school sites until a new school building can be provided for the amalgamated school. It is envisaged that the construction phase for the new amalgamated school will be facilitated with investment available during the second half of the National Development Plan (NDP) 2018 to 2027.

The new amalgamated school will enable facilities to be modernised in an energy efficient building that will be compliant with Part L of the Building Regulations 2017. It will also provide the opportunity for the school to have a fully equipped PE Hall facility with fitness suite together with a 2-class special education needs base.

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

245. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the reason a commitment he gave to this Deputy concerning a meeting was not honoured (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37666/19]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

247. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the consideration given to the renewed request for a meeting with a deputation regarding the proposed closure of two second-level schools during Topical Issue Debate No. 3 on 2 July 2019 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37668/19]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

251. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the reason the request from a group (details supplied) for a meeting with his officials was not acceded to in relation to the proposed closure of two second-level schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37713/19]

Joe McHugh (Donegal, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I propose to take Questions Nos. 245, 247 and 251 together.

As the Deputy is aware the decision making authority for any amalgamation is the Patron/Trustees of the schools, and this is subject to the approval of my Department. I can confirm to the Deputy that my Department has recently approved an application from Cavan Monaghan Education & Training Board to amalgamate St Mogues College and St Bricin’s College in West Cavan.

The schools will continue to operate from the existing school sites until a new school building can be provided for the amalgamated school. It is envisaged that the construction phase for the new amalgamated school will be facilitated with investment available during the second half of the National Development Plan (NDP) 2018 to 2027.

The new amalgamated school will enable facilities to be modernised in an energy efficient building that will be compliant with Part L of the Building Regulations 2017. It will also provide the opportunity for the school to have a fully equipped PE Hall facility with fitness suite together with a 2-class special education needs base.

Unfortunately it was not possible to arrange a meeting.