John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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709.To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the status of an application to amalgamate two schools (details supplied); and if the application will be expedited. [32097/24]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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I can confirm to the Deputy that my Department has received a request from the Patron of the schools under reference for the amalgamation of the two schools.

As the Deputy will be aware the decision making authority for school amalgamations belongs to the patron or trustees of a school, and this is subject to the approval of the Minister for Education. 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.

My Department has been in contact with the Patron/management body of the referred schools and a decision has been issued to the Patron on the amalgamation request.