Written answers

Wednesday, 30 September 2015

Department of Education and Skills

Schools Amalgamation

Photo of Denis NaughtenDenis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Independent)
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151. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills her plans for the amalgamation of two schools (details supplied) in County Westmeath; if a new school will be provided on a specific site; the reason her Department has refused consideration for the development on a new school on an identified greenfield site; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33584/15]

Photo of Jan O'SullivanJan O'Sullivan (Limerick City, Labour)
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I wish to advise the Deputy that the decision making authority for school amalgamations belongs to the Patron/Trustees of a school, and this is subject to the approval of the Minister for Education and Skills. Any proposed changes involves extensive negotiations at local level and must be well planned and managed in a manner that accommodates the interests of students, parents, teachers, local communities and contributes to an inclusive education system.

Proposals that may have major capital funding implications will be considered by my Department within the context of competing demands on my Department's capital budget imposed by the need to prioritise available funding for the provision of essential school classroom accommodation to meet demographic needs.

I can confirm that my Department has received a proposal to amalgamate the two schools in question. I can also confirm that the Patron and respective schools have also determined that the new amalgamated school should be located on one of the school's sites. This proposal is currently under consideration and my Department will be liaising directly with the school authorities in this regard.

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