Need to retain St. Mogue’s and St. Bricin’s Colleges – Brendan Smith TD

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Below are replies by the Education Minister to Parliamentary Questions I tabled in Dáil Éireann regarding the accommodation requirements of both St. Mogue’s and St. Bricin’s Colleges and also the need to retain both schools.

The Department of Education have not made any decision in relation to the Cavan Monaghan ETB proposal.

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For Written Answer on : 18/12/2018
Question Number(s): 193 Question Reference(s): 52770/18
Department: Education and Skills
Asked by: Brendan Smith T.D.
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QUESTION

To ask the Minister for Education and Skills his plans to ensure that there will be no reconfiguration in the provision of second-level school services and ensure the continuation of existing school provision in relation to a school (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. (Details Supplied) the need to retain St. Mogue’s College, Bawnboy and St. Bricin’s College, Belturbet, Co. Cavan, long established second level schools which serve the West Cavan area

REPLY
I can confirm to the Deputy that the decision making authority for school amalgamations belongs to the Patron/Trustees of a school, and this is subject to the approval of the Minister for Education and Skills. Any proposed changes involves extensive negotiations at local level and must be well planned and managed in a manner that accommodates the interests of students, parents, teachers, local communities and contributes to an inclusive education system.

In this regard, correspondence from the relevant ETB was received in recent days.  Once my Department has had an opportunity to consider same further contact will be made with the ETB.

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For Written Answer on : 29/11/2018
Question Number(s): 92 Question Reference(s): 50031/18
Department: Education and Skills
Asked by: Brendan Smith T.D.
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QUESTION

To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the status of an application by a school (details supplied) for additional facilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. (Details Supplied) the need to provide a PE Hall/Sporting facilities at St. Mogue’s College, Bawnboy, Co. Cavan as this second level school has no sporting facilities at present

REPLY

The school to which the Deputy refers operates under the patronage of the local Education and Training Board (ETB).  The ETB recently informed my Department that the long term accommodation needs of the school were being reviewed and that it would revert to my Department when this process had been completed.

My Department understands that the review has now been concluded and that the ETB will be making a proposal to my Department on the long-term needs of the area where the school in question is located.  My Department will consider this proposal when received and it will revert to the ETB as quickly as possible with a decision in the matter.

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For Written Answer on : 29/11/2018
Question Number(s): 93 Question Reference(s): 50032/18
Department: Education and Skills
Asked by: Brendan Smith T.D.
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QUESTION

To ask the Minister for Education and Skills when a long approved building project for a school (details supplied) will proceed to the next stage in view of the inadequate accommodation at the school at present; and if he will make a statement on the matter. (Details Supplied) St Bricin’s College, Belturbet, Co. Cavan

REPLY

The school to which the Deputy refers operates under the patronage of the local Education and Training Board (ETB).  The ETB recently informed my Department that the long term accommodation needs of the school were being reviewed and that it would revert to my Department when this process had been completed.

My Department understands that the review has now been concluded and that the ETB will be making a proposal to my Department on the long-term needs of the area where the school in question is located.  My Department will consider this proposal when received and it will revert to the ETB as quickly as possible with a decision in the matter.