Charles Flanagan
Question:131 Mr. Flanagan asked the Minister for Education if she will make a statement on the future of a school (details supplied) in County Laois. [11768/97]
Written Answers. - Schools Amalgamation.
The school referred to by the Deputy has a current enrolment of 24 pupils. Enrolments have declined in recent years and it would appear that this trend is set to continue into the future.
In these circumstances, the planning section of my Department wrote to the chairperson of the board of management in March 1997, suggesting that it would be appropriate, at this stage, for the board to consider the future of the school and the possibility of amalgamation with another school in the parish. A response from the chairperson is awaited. I should mention that an amalgamation would not take place without agreement of the board, parents and teachers. In the event that the school continues to operate, its future viability will be kept under review by my Department in the light of the enrolment trends.