Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 69, 70, 72 and 73 together.

I wish to clarify for the Deputy that the application by the school in question for a change of status to co-educational has not been refused. My Department continues to work with the school's patron to support a move towards co-educational provision at the school.

In the context of the current post-primary provision in the town, the move to co-educational provision at the school to which the Deputy refers needs to be managed carefully to ensure that there are sufficient places available for all students and that any accommodation implications are addressed. If the transition were not carefully managed there would be a real risk of there being a deficit of post-primary school places for boys in the town. In that context, my Department is working with the patron to gain a full understanding of the implications for school places and any required solutions. Given the complexities it will not be possible to approve a change of status to coeducational for the 2024/25 school year. Nevertheless, my Department is committed to continuing to work with the school’s patron to facilitate a future change of status to co-educational for the school.

The application referred to was received on the 19th April 2023. I can confirm that my Department received six other applications for change of status to co-educational since the that application was received. Of these, five have been approved and one remains under consideration.