Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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123. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding a school (details supplied); if in the context of a forthcoming amalgamation with a neighbouring school, an application for additional accommodation and support rooms will be expedited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28660/19]

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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125. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the additional supports available to a school (details supplied) that is amalgamating with a smaller school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28662/19]

Joe McHugh (Donegal, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 123 and 125 together.

I wish to advise the Deputy that the initiative for any amalgamation may come from a variety of sources, such as parents, staff, Board of Management and patron(s). Any such proposal to amalgamate schools must involve consultation with all of the relevant stakeholders and follow decisions taken at local level. In that regard, any proposed changes must be well planned and managed in a manner that accommodates the interests of parents, teachers and local communities and contributes to an inclusive education system. Any proposals are then subject to the approval of the Patron(s) and my Department.

In respect of the schools referred to by the Deputy my Department has no record of receiving any correspondence from the Patron relating to the matter.