Thomas Gould (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein)
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322. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if her attention has been drawn to the fact that insufficient consultation took place ahead of the announcement of the proposed amalgamation of schools (details supplied); and if she will pause this process until such consultation has taken place. [56199/22]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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I wish to advise the deputy that the decision making authority for any amalgamation or change of status is the patron of the schools, subject to the approval of the Department. The Department has received correspondence from the patrons of both schools regarding their proposed amalgamation and a change of status of the new amalgamated school to co-educational. It is the responsibility of the patrons to undertake any consultation that they deem appropriate and to make the final decision as to whether to amalgamate.

I am aware that there have recently been concerns raised by some members of the school communities. The Department understands that further discussions have since taken place between the two school patrons. The Trustees of St Vincent’s School have now written to the Department to confirm that they are withdrawing from the proposed amalgamation process with North Presentation Secondary School.