andMr. Keating asked the Minister for Education if he will make a statement on the possible closure of Eccles Street School, Dublin.

22.

asked the Minister for Education if he is aware of the widespread concern felt at the announcement of intent by the Sisters of the Holy Faith to close Dominic Street Convent, Dublin, in a phased manner finishing in 1981; and if he will take steps to persuade the Holy Faith Order to keep this large and popular convent open.

23.

asked the Minister for Education if consultations took place with his Department prior to the decision to close Eccles Street School, Dublin; if he is aware of the reduction in the number of secondary schools in the city centre; and if his Department have any remedial action under consideration.

With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 21, 22 and 23 together.

I am aware of the concern felt in relation to the question of the possible closure of these two schools. I must accept, however, that a decision in the matter is one for the individual school authorities and I do not consider that it would be open to me to act as suggested in relation to the Holy Faith Convent School, Dominic Street. I should also point out that a final decision has not yet been taken to close Dominican Convent School, Eccles Street and, accordingly, a statement in relation to possible remedial action in the eventuality of such closure would be premature at this stage. I may say, however, that I have had discussions with the authorities of Dominican College School, Eccles Street, during the course of which all aspects of the difficulties which would arise for pupils, parents and teachers as a consequence of the closure of the school were adverted to.

Is the Minister satisfied with the position whereby the statutory responsibility he referred to some moments ago is apparently left to considerable chance in the circumstances outlined? Is he willing, if the inevitability in the Minister's apparent thinking comes about, and this school closes——

I did not say anything about inevitability. I said there was no decision on that particular school.

I may have misinterpreted the Minister. Would he be willing to consider the possibility of bidding for or purchasing this school and retaining it as an open educational institution? Let the management of the school be lay, mixed or otherwise, but retain it as an important local educational centre.

That is an entirely separate question.

It is a separate question.

It is a separate question. The Deputy is asking if the Minister will buy the school.

I am asking this in relation to the closure of the school. The Minister has not answered the question I asked.

The Chair has no control over that.

If, when the Minister has had discussions with those schools, one of the problems is finance, will he provide money for them? I do not know why they are closing but I hear it could be for financial reasons.

: That is a statement.

Will the Minister put up money for those schools if it is a question of finance?

I want to assure the House that I am committed to the adequate financing of voluntary secondary schools as stated in the party's election manifesto. I want to say also that the death of any school is painful to me and that the problems of the pupils and of the staff are problems which affect me quite closely. I will, on the one hand, proceed to make adequate provision for the pupils and, on the other hand, try to provide as many job opportunities as possible for the staff.

Can the Minister say, in the case of the Dominican College, Eccles Street, that there is no need for the great anxiety of the parents in the area in the event of this school closing down?

I can assure the House that it will be my duty to see to it that the pupils will be provided with places.

24.