Statement of Bishop of Ossory Séamus Freeman SAC on the announcement by the Minister for Education and Skills concerning the future of second-level schools in Kilkenny

17 Nov 2015

I welcome the announcement from the Minister of Education and Skills, Ms Jan O’ Sullivan, TD, that the Department of Education and Skills have agreed to invest significantly further in second-level education in Kilkenny.

Since 1979, our Diocesan College, Saint Kieran’s College, has welcomed and facilitated Kilkenny Vocational School on its grounds in Kilkenny City. With today’s announcement, Saint Kieran’s College offers a site to the Education and Training Board in Kilkenny, in order for the expansion of its facilities and in doing so will further guarantee a greater educational choice for parents and students in the surrounding area.

The Catholic Church is very much committed to Catholic education. However, we must continue to recognise the importance for all involved, teachers, parents, students, by encouraging and supporting other educational models.

I thank all who have made this significant development possible. As Patron of Saint Kieran’s College, I very much appreciate the perseverance, dedication and vision of Rev Dr Dermot Ryan, President, the Trustees, the Board of Management and staff of Saint Kieran’s College. I also acknowledge with gratitude the significant contribution of officials at the Department of Education and Skills and Kilkenny and Carlow Education Training Board. I am grateful for the collaboration of all involved over the past number of years in enabling this project to reach its fullest potential. Today we bring good news to the faithful in Kilkenny and in the Diocese of Ossory.

+ Séamus Freeman, SAC.

ENDS

• Further information: Rev Dr Dermot Ryan, President, Saint Kieran’s College, Kilkenny. Telephone: 056 7721086, 086 6097483, [email protected]