Willie Penrose (Longford-Westmeath, Labour)
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Question 124: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the number of national schools that report to her Department; the number engaged in amalgamation discussions with other schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21596/07]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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There are approximately 3,400 primary schools in the country. The number of schools currently engaged in amalgamation discussions is difficult to determine given that the decision making authority for amalgamation ultimately belongs to the school patrons. The reasons for amalgamation can be many and varied ranging from, demography (decline in enrolments) to desire for co-education, to financial reasons, to condition of school buildings, to parental/teacher demand etc. Should the Deputy require information in relation to a particular amalgamation, I would be happy to arrange to have this provided.