Barry Heneghan (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
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154. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills further to Parliamentary Question No. 1018 of 29 April 2025, if her Department has considered the transition of an existing post-primary school in a particular school planning area (details supplied) to multidenominational, co-educational status, rather than the establishment of a new school; the demographic data, including Geographic Information System or CSO 2022 census figures, that have been used since 2011 to assess the long-term educational needs of the area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31285/25]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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I wish to advise the Deputy that the decision-making authority for any change of status 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 change of status proposal may have on factors such as school accommodation, funding, staffing and school transport so that an informed decision can be made.