Michael Noonan (Limerick East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 786: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if, in view of the prospective decline in the number of primary school students in Southhill parish and Our Lady Queen of Peace parish, Janesboro, County Limerick, and the application by schools in the area to change their status, she will review the provision of primary education in these parishes and take the views of all the education partners into account in bringing forward an agreed solution to the emerging problems; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19973/05]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

My Department is in receipt of a proposal from the board of management of Our Lady Queen of Peace national school for a change of status from a girls' school with facilities for the teaching of infant boys to a fully vertical co-educational provider of primary education. In the first instance, any such proposal must have the approval of the patron and clarification in this regard has already been sought. In addition, the proposal must also be examined in the context of existing provision and the likely impact such a change might have on other schools in the area. The agreement of schools in the area to the proposed change would be desirable before such a proposal would be approved.

On receipt of clarification of these issues, my officials will engage further with the school authorities before any final decision is taken. My Department has not received any application for change of status from Southill junior school.