Peter Cleere (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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591. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if there are proposed plans to amalgamate the primary schools in Graiguenamanagh, County Kilkenny, to form a co-educational primary school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11050/25]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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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.

My Department has not received applications for amalgamation from primary schools in the Graiguenamanagh school planning area.