Michelle Mulherin (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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1338. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the specific guidelines that the school governance section of her Department applies to amalgamating schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33726/14]

Michelle Mulherin (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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1339. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the specific guidelines that the teacher allocation unit of her Department applies to amalgamating schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33727/14]

Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick City, Labour)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 1338 and 1339 together.

Under the current amalgamation arrangements there is a provision for the allocation of a concessionary mainstream teaching post in cases where the approved number of mainstream teachers serving in the schools at the time the amalgamation takes place exceeds the number of mainstream posts warranted by the total enrolment on the basis of the staffing schedule. The continued allocation of the concessionary post is dependent on the teachers concerned remaining on the staff of the school and the appropriate enrolment figures being maintained.

The Governance requirements for amalgamated schools are the same as those for all other schools.

Michelle Mulherin (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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1340. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the specific guidelines that the school capital appraisal section of her Department applies to amalgamating schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33728/14]

Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick City, 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. The initiative for any amalgamation may come from a variety of sources, such as parents, staff, Board of Management and patron(s). The position is that 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 advised in advance of arriving at a final decision in the matter 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.