asked Her Majesty's Government:

What role the Council for Catholic Maintained Schools has in the future of Saint Joseph’s High School, Plumbridge, County Tyrone; and who takes the decision in the event that the school is to be closed.[HL7301]

The Council for Catholic Maintained Schools (CCMS) has acted in its statutory role as an advisory body to the trustees of St Joseph’s High School, Plumbridge. This is a role that CCMS performs for all Catholic maintained schools. At the request of CCMS and on behalf of the school trustees, the Western Education and Library Board (WELB) published Development Proposal No. 186 on 27 April 2006, proposing closure of St Joseph’s High School from 1 September 2007 or as soon as possible thereafter. My honourable friend Maria Eagle, the Minister with responsibility for education, takes the decision on the development proposal in light of all the information provided, and a decision to close the school was made on 22 September 2006.