Educate Together campaign receives Council’s backing
COUNCILLORS voted unanimously in support of New Ross Educate Together’s campaign for full stream status.
In a motion Fianna Fáil Cllr Michael Sheehan called on the council, in accepting the principle of parental choice in terms of education, to reiterate its call for the Minister for Education and Science, Richard Bruton to intervene and reverse the DES decision to limit the enrolment numbers of New Ross Educate Together and to support their application for capital funding to accommodate their development for the incoming academic year.
Cllr Sheehan said the ban was only affecting five schools.
Cllr Anthony Connick said he was in full support of the school, asking if any other mainstream schools were affected by its plans. ‘I would like to know before I second it or make a commitment to it,’ he said.
Cllr Larry O’Brien said the matter was out of the council’s hands. ‘I don’t think we are going to have any influence on the decision at this stage,’ he said.
Cllr Sheehan said having spoken to the school principal Aoife Mahon and some of the parents both he and they felt that getting the motion approved would help the case Educate Together was making with the department, showing local support for the school and its pupils.
‘It would send a signal that we are in solidarity.’
Cllr Osiin O’Connell seconded the motion.
Cllr Michael Whelan said: ‘It does come down to choice. We don’t know the facts; if it’s putting other schools under pressure. Of course it is. But the fact that it’s the only one in the area and it opens choice up, I would support it.’
Cllr O’Brien said Minister of State Paul Kehoe met parents and officials in the school, adding that all councillors support the school’s plans.
Cathaoirleach Cllr Willie Fitzharris said all the facts are not known in relation to the original agreement between Educate Together and the Department of Education. ‘It’s a bit of a mystery why it’s not clear. One side is saying one thing and another is saying another thing. It’s beyond me why there is nothing based on writing. I don’t feel I have enough facts.’
Cllr Connick said it was a pity that people had not been provided with both sides of the story.
The motion was unanimously supported. THE gothic horror film, The Lodgers, which was screened at a red carpet gala night in St Michael’s Theatre recently was hailed as a great showcase for the area by Cllr Michael Whelan.
Cllr Whelan attended the film and said it was great that it is being screened as cinemas across the world, highlighting Tintern Abbey, Clongeen and Loftus Hall.
‘I hope it gets good crowds. I think it was a great showcase for Wexford. I am not sure about the content of the film; it was certainly interesting but if you were making a tourism promotion film for Wexford, you could do no better,’ he said.
Cathaoirleach Cllr Willie Firtzharris said; ‘It was brilliant. I know all the places (in the film) very well, but I was still surprised they came out so well.’