Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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86. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills further to Parliamentary Question No. 193 of 18 December 2018, if the views of the local communities in the catchment areas of schools (details supplied) in County Cavan were taken into account in the analysis of the proposal by the ETB to close both schools and provide a new facility; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that there is widespread opposition at local level to the ETB proposal which did not involve negotiation or consultation with local communities prior to the decision being made by the ETB; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2184/19]

Joe McHugh (Donegal, Fine Gael)
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I wish to advise the Deputy that the decision making authority for any amalgamation belongs to the Patron/Trustees of the school, and this is subject to the approval of the Department.

Any proposed change 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.

My Department has sought further information from the Patron of the schools concerned relating to the proposed amalgamaton and this is awaited. The matter can be considered further following receipt of this information.