Pat Carey (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)
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Question 469: To ask the Minister for Education and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 628 of 21 February 2006, if the initiative for the amalgamation of these schools was taken at local board of management level, by the patron or in conjunction with both bodies; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8147/06]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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The initiative to amalgamate the schools to which the Deputy refers was taken by the school planning section of my Department after consultation with the patron and following a review of educational provision in the area. This review highlighted that enrolments at the three schools concerned has declined by 40% over a ten year period to 2004-05. The drop in enrolments has resulted in significant surplus accommodation at the three schools. The issue of amalgamation was subsequently discussed with the school management authorities. The procedure followed is common practice in this type of amalgamation scenario.