Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 1391: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if she will conduct an independent inquiry of a school (details supplied) in County Mayo on the problems that currently exist there. [29734/06]

Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 1392: To ask the Minister for Education and Science when the manager's report of a primary school (details supplied) in County Mayo is being given to her; if the report has been submitted to date; if she will be making a comment on that report; when the report will be made public; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29735/06]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 1391 and 1392 together.

Under the provisions of the Education Act, 1998, the Board of Management is the body charged with the direct governance of a school. In general, the Board has the responsibility to ensure that the school operates efficiently and effectively and also has responsibilities in relation to the action of its employees. The Board must manage the staff in the school and intervene when it considers necessary to resolve matters relating to the actions of its employees. The Board of Management is the employer and has similar powers to any other employer.

With regard to the specific case referred to by the Deputy, the Patron of the school dissolved the Board of Management in March, 2006 and, with my approval, appointed a single manager to manage the school for a period of six months in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Education Act, 1998. I am aware that, since his appointment, the single manager has been making strenuous efforts to address the difficulties at the school.

The Patron has recently requested my approval for an extension of six months to the term of office of the single manager. Before reaching a decision on the Patron's proposal, I have requested a report from the single manager on the situation in the school. I expect to receive that report shortly.

I am sure the Deputy will appreciate that, pending receipt and consideration of the report, I am not in a position to comment further at this stage.