Written answers
Wednesday, 20 March 2024
Department of Education and Skills
Schools Amalgamation
Denis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent)
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465. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the engagement to date with schools in general regarding amalgamation and the provision of a co-educational offering; if she will review the options for 2nd level facilities in the catchment, in the interest of pupils, their subject choices, and the maximisation in the use of educational facilities funded by the local community and the Exchequer; if consideration has been given to options for coordination in advance of approving any request from individual schools boards of management; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12444/24]
Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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I wish to advise the Deputy, that the decision-making authority for any amalgamation is the patron/trustees of the schools concerned and it is open to any patron to submit proposals to the Department for consideration.
Any proposed change involves extensive consultation 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.
The Patron and relevant stakeholders are also advised to consider the implications that any amalgamation proposal may have on factors such as school accommodation, funding, staffing and school transport so that an informed decision can be made.
If the Deputy would like to reference a specific area my Department can confirm whether an application for amalgamation or change of status has been received from relevant schools.
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