Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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88. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills further to Parliamentary Question No. 15 of 6 March 2019, if his Department has completed its analysis of the proposal by Cavan and Monaghan ETB to close schools (details supplied); if his attention has been drawn to the fact that there is widespread opposition at local level to the ETB proposal; his plans to ensure that the current delivery of second level school services in the west County Cavan area through the schools will continue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24712/19]

Joe McHugh (Donegal, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy is aware the decision making authority for any amalgamation is the Patron/Trustees of the schools, and this is subject to the approval of my Department.

Any proposed amalgamation 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 referred to by the Deputy, relating to the proposed amalgamation.  I can confirm that some of the information sought has been received recently, the remaining information is awaited.