Seán Kyne (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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227. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the number of primary schools that have closed in each of the years 2011, 2012 and 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27333/14]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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I can confirm to the Deputy that a total of 18 primary schools closed between 2011 and 2013. Four primary schools closed in 2011, eight closed in 2012 and six closed in 2013. The initiative for closing a school may come from a variety of sources, such as parents, staff, Board of Management, Patron and my Department. Any proposal to close a school must involve consultation with all of the relevant stakeholders and follow decisions taken at local level.