Willie Penrose (Longford-Westmeath, Labour)
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236. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the guidelines in place to permit amalgamations of schools; the level of consultation, surveys and assessments that are carried out prior to making a definitive decision thereon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16723/14]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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I wish to advise the Deputy that 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 any amalgamation may come from a variety of sources, such as parents, staff, Board of Management and patron(s). I have said on several occasions that any decisions to amalgamate schools will be voluntary and follow decisions taken at a local level.

Amalgamation proposals must first involve consultation with all of the relevant stakeholders, including students, parents, teachers, and local communities. It must be well planned and managed in a manner that accommodates the interests of all stakeholders and contributes to an inclusive education system. The Patron and relevant stakeholders are required to consider the implications that any amalgamation proposal may have on school funding, school staffing and school transport so that an informed decision can be made.

All agreed amalgamation proposals must be submitted to my Department for approval. Proposals that may have major capital implications can only be considered within the context of my Department's capital budget and the challenges facing my Department in meeting national demographic demands.