Aodhán Ó Ríordáin (Dublin North Central, Labour)
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Question 230: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he has conducted research into the value of infant primary schools and, by extension, senior primary schools; if he has ever conducted research into the value of single gender primary schools, and as such schools exist on one campus if it will be warranted to amalgamate these schools bearing in mind the educational, administrative and financial improvements this will potentially achieve; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4009/12]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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My Department has been in contact with the Deputy's Office and I understand that the question relates to my Department's general position regarding school amalgamations. The decision making authority for any amalgamation belongs to the Patron of a school, subject to the approval of the Minister for Education and Skills. My Department's role is to facilitate any such proposal or discussions between the relevant parties.

The initiative for an amalgamation may come from a variety of sources, such as parents, staff, Board of Management and Patron. I have said on several occasions that any decisions to amalgamate schools will be voluntary and follow decisions taken at a local level. The financial consequences associated with amalgamations would also have to take into account the continuing requirement to manage expenditure within the context of overall educational policy and the level of budgetary provision available at the time.

It is worth noting, however, that we have 3,200 primary schools across Ireland. Approximately, one third of those schools have less than 86 pupils and, as a result, have far lower average class sizes. For example, a two teacher school with 32 pupils has an average class size of 1 teacher for 16 pupils. In contrast, a typical 10 teacher school with 272 pupils has an average class size of 27.2 pupils. In that regard, the existing staffing schedule acts as a disincentive for small schools to consider amalgamations. At a time of great strain in our public finances, we have to ensure that the very valuable but limited resources available for the education system are used in the best way possible. The Deputy will be aware that where conditions allow and the financial resources are available, school campus developments have taken place and will continue to take place which provide for the sharing of facilities by all schools on the campus.