Bray Loreto Junior School closure
The Minister said the Department had no role in decisions about private preparatory departments, but was informed the school would phase out from September 1979 and suitable national-school places were available. He agreed schools should notify the Department before closing and said the Department had received notice; no parents had requested places in local primary schools.
asked the Minister for Education the consultations which took place prior to the announcement of the proposed phasing out of the Loreto junior school, in Bray, County Wicklow; if he is fully satisfied that comparable educational facilities will be available in the same location; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Comment on this
: The Minister for Education has no function in relation to the private preparatory departments of secondary schools and, accordingly, the question does not arise of consultations with the school authorities in regard to their closure.
I may say, however, that I have been informed that it is proposed to phase out this school as from September 1979. I am satisfied that suitable educational facilities will be available in national schools for all pupils concerned who may wish to enrol in these schools.
Comment on this
: Would the Minister agree, in relation to the planning function of the Department, that they should have contact with all schools, whether private or public?
Comment on this
: I agree totally. It is irresponsible to close any school without giving due notice to the Department so that the problem of school planning in the area would be facilitated. I should like to add that in this case information was sent by the relevant authority to the Department and I should like to indicate further that not one parent of any pupil indicated a desire for a place in any of the primary schools in the area.