Vol. 503 No. 7
120 Proinsias De Rossa asked the Minister for Education and Science the discussions, if any, which took place with the Roman Catholic diocese of Dublin on the question of the amalgamation of three schools at St. Peter's, Phibsboro; the number of meetings in this regard; when these meetings and discussions took place; the individuals who attended; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11081/99]
There were no discussions between officials of my Department and the Roman Catholic diocese of Dublin on the question of the amalgamation of the three primary schools at St. Peters, Phibsboro. Officials did, however, have a number of meetings with the Vincentian Order, which is the owner-trustee of the school, the teachers and a group of parents, at which the question of amalgamation was discussed in detail.
The current position is that the amalgamation of the schools concerned is due to take place with effect from 1 September 1999, and the necessary arrangements in this regard are being put in place.
121 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science the position in relation to Derreens national school, Achill, County Mayo; if the school will remain open for the next academic year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11116/99]
The position is that during the 1997-98 school year, a proposal to amalgamate Dereens and Saula national schools was submitted to my Department by the schools management authorities. The amalgamation had been agreed in principle locally, subject to a number of conditions being satisfied, including school transport provision. The school transport section of my Department informed the school management authorities of the proposed transport arrangements in November 1998.
In the event that an amalgamation does not take place, Derreens national school will continue to operate in the coming school year.
