Seán Sherlock (Cork East, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I am taking this matter on behalf of the Minister, Deputy Quinn. As a Minister of State in the Department of Education and Skills and being from Cork I am very much aware of the issue at hand. I thank Senator Burke for raising the matter as it offers us the opportunity to clarify the current position of the proposed amalgamation and reconfiguration of primary schools on the north side of Cork City. I advise the Senator that we are aware that a consultation process has been initiated involving North Presentation primary school, St. Vincent's girls' primary school, Scoil Mhuire Fatima - or North Mon primary school - and Gaelscoil Pheig Sayers.

As the Senator may be aware, the initiative for any amalgamation or reconfiguration of schools may come from a variety of sources, such as parents, staff, boards of management and patrons. Any such proposal must involve consultation with all of the relevant stakeholders and follow decisions taken at local level. In that regard, any proposed changes must be well planned and managed in a manner that accommodates the interests of parents, teachers and local communities, which is a key point, and contributes to an inclusive education system. It is a matter for the relevant school authorities, including the parents and school community, to arrive at a satisfactory outcome.

I confirm that although the decision making authority for the amalgamation of any school belongs to the patron of the schools concerned, such a proposal is then subject to the approval of the Minister for Education and Skills. With regard to the primary school amalgamation and reconfiguration being proposed, I understand that details of this proposal has recently been sent to the boards of management, staff and parents of the four schools involved. It is understood that when the consultation process is concluded, the trustees of the schools concerned will make a recommendation to the patron for his decision in the matter.

In that regard, I confirm that to date the Minister has not received any proposal from the patron or trustees in the matter. I thank the Senator again for giving me the opportunity to clarify the current position.