There is more controversy this morning as an argument has erupted between The Department Of Education and Educate Together, the dispute has come about after Educate Together has decided not to open a primary school in Castlebar, Co Mayo next week.
The move has put a major dent in the government plans as the new multi-denominational school was supposed to represent a small, but significant step towards the provision greater choice in the primary sector. However Educate Together have now delayed the school’s opening until 2016, it is understood Educate Together are blaming the Department of Education for not providing convenient and appropriate accommodation
The news has angered the Education Minister Jan O’Sullivan who accused Educate Together of “a misplaced effort to apportion blame for the consequences of their own decisions upon the Department of Education and Skills”. Ms O’Sullivan claims Educate Together had gone back on their word after they previously accepted the building, on the site of the former Burren National School, she also claimed the department was working on bringing it up to standard..
Ms O’Sullivan said: “Unfortunately, Educate Together, having formally agreed to proceed on the basis of the available premises, subsequently changed its mind.”