Derek Nolan (Galway West, Labour)
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281. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he will provide information on the proposed amalgamation of schools (details supplied) in County Galway; if an impact analysis for the staff in both schools has been conducted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45830/13]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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As the Deputy may be aware, the initiative for an amalgamation may come from a variety of sources, such as parents, staff, Board of Management and in particular, the Patron. The decision making authority for any amalgamation including any appropriate arrangements belongs to the Patron of a school, subject to the approval of the Minister for Education and Skills.

The trustees of the schools referred to by the Deputy submitted a proposal to amalgamate some time ago. The Department has met with the Trustees on a number of occasions to discuss the various issues arising.

Department officials also wrote to the trustees on a number of occcasions earlier this year to seek further information in relation to the proposal and a response is awaited. The matter will be given further consideration when this information is received.