Thomas Gould (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein)
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321. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if she has received an application for amalgamation involving a school (details supplied). [34256/21]

Thomas Gould (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein)
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322. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if she has received an application for amalgamation involving a school (details supplied). [34257/21]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 321 and 322 together.

I wish to advise the Deputy that my Department has not receiving an application from the schools in question in relation to a proposed amalgamation.

As the decision-making authority for any amalgamation is the patron/trustees of the schools concerned, it is open to any patron to submit proposals to the Department for consideration.

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.