Joe Carey (Clare, Fine Gael)
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339. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if an old primary school building (details supplied) in County Clare is for sale; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9571/23]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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I can confirm the school building referred to by the Deputy became vacant in 2022 following the amalgamation of Cree National School and Clohanbeg National School in September 2022.

When a school building becomes vacant as a result of closure or amalgamation, the future use of the building is in the first instance a matter for the Patron. When the Patron applies to the Minister for permission to either use the property for community purposes or to sell it, my Department makes an assessment as to whether the property is required for future educational use. If it is concluded that the property has no viable future educational use, my Department permits that it may be used for community or other purposes or may be sold. It is a matter for the Patron to decide if the property is to be disposed of.