Joanna Tuffy (Dublin Mid West, Labour)
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Question 119: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the number of primary schools that amalgamated in the years 2003 to 2007; the number of applications for amalgamation with her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6052/08]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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The information sought by the Deputy is not readily available, however, I have arranged for it to be forwarded to her directly.

The initiative for an amalgamation may come from a variety of sources, such as parents, staff, boards of management and the Patron. 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. However, the patron has the key role in the initial stage of establishing feasibility and the decision-making authority for amalgamation belongs to the patron/s subject to my approval. My Department's role is to facilitate any such proposals or discussions between the relevant parties.

Where additional/replacement accommodation is required officials in my Department carry out an assessment of the long term projected staffing for the amalgamating schools and notifies this to the school authorities. All amalgamation applications requiring major capital funding are assessed in accordance with established criteria which were agreed with the education partners.