The Minister met with Dr. Michael Mulvey, DkIT President and Michelle Dolan, Acting Principal of St Louis Secondary School to express her support for the continued collaboration between both organisations.

Speaking today, Minister Mitchell O’Connor said,

“This is a remarkable example of two institutions from Secondary and Higher levels working closely together to ensure that the education and welfare of students is prioritised despite extremely challenging circumstances. I would like the thank the team at DkIT for its quick action and support in facilitating school operations at short notice. I would also like to commend staff at St Louis for their resilience during this difficult time. My Department will continue to offer support to the school over the coming months as normal operations resume.”

The Minister also spoke with a group of Junior Certificate students who were completing their state examinations on campus. She commented,

“It is a pleasure to meet with students from St Louis today as they complete their exams, an important landmark in their educational pathways. Education is crucial to providing students with the knowledge, confidence and skills to pursue successful careers which will benefit for our society and is vital for the sustained growth of our economy. I am particularly keen to encourage our young female students to be ambitious for their futures, to reach further than before and to rise to leadership positions in their desired fields because Ireland needs more women in senior positions in business, politics and all other industries.”

Students at St Louis will complete the remainder of their state exams at DkIT. It is anticipated that the school will resume normal activity in its Castleblayney Road site in September.