Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy and acknowledge his engagement with me on this issue. I can confirm my Department recently received a request from the patron of the schools under reference for the amalgamation of the two schools. The proposal also included a request for a new school building for the amalgamated school. As the Deputy will be aware, the decision-making authority for school amalgamations belongs to the patron or trustees of a school, and this is subject to the approval of the Minister for Education. Any proposed change involves extensive negotiations at local level and must be well planned and managed in a manner that accommodates the interests of students, parents, teachers and local communities and contributes to an inclusive education system.

My Department is reviewing the amalgamation proposal. This process is nearing completion and my officials will be in contact with the patron shortly. Since 2020, the Department of Education has invested in the region of €3.5 billion in our schools throughout the country, involving the completion of more than 690 school building projects and with construction currently under way on approximately 300 other projects.

School building projects at construction involve an overall State investment of more than €1.2 billion. We also have 200 modular accommodation projects that are well advanced. This is a record level of investment in our schools and highlights the Government’s strong track record of delivery in providing additional capacity and modern facilities for our school communities. The main focus of my Department’s capital funding over the past decade and for the coming period is on the provision of critical additional capacity to cater for increasing demographics and children with special educational needs. The Department is required to manage the overall school building programme such that we target and prioritise areas that are under the greatest pressure for additional school places. This reflects our fundamental objective of ensuring the availability of a school place for every child.

The Deputy may be aware there are plans for capital investment in the primary schools in the Belturbet school planning area with a view to increasing the number of mainstream and special class pupil places. In total, three school building projects in schools in the Belturbet area are at various stages of planning and delivery. At primary level, this includes plans for additional mainstream and special class provision at Milltown National School and Scoil Naomh Bríd. The overall position-----

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