John O'Mahony (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 155: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills when a decision will issue on the change of status of a school (details supplied) in County Mayo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7321/11]

John O'Mahony (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 156: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the discussions he has had with the patron regarding the application for a change of status for a school (details supplied) in County Mayo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7322/11]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 155 and 156 together.

I would like to advise the Deputy that in May 2008 the school in question applied for a change of status on foot of which my Department requested a report from the Inspector as part of its examination of the matter. The Inspectorate consulted with the three schools most directly impacted and considered the matter under a number of headings including: Impact of change of status on neighbouring schools Projected enrolments over the next 4-5 year period if change of status is granted and if change of status is not granted Capital investment required Future educational provision in the area. All decisions regarding the change of status ultimately lie with the Patron. In the absence of clear and unconditional Patron approval for the proposed change of status coupled with the outcome of the Inspector's Report, it is the Department's view that a change of status would not be in the best interests of future educational provision in the area at that time and in that context, the school's application for change of status was not progressed.