Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 21 Oct 2003

Vol. 572 No. 6

Written Answers. - Schools Amalgamation.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

246 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science the role his Department normally plays in discussions concerning the amalgamation of two schools in the post primary sector, one of which was under the control of the vocational education committee and the other which would be a secondary school under the control of a religious congregation; if, in the course of such discussions, the views of the staff and parents of both schools are taken into account and communicated to the decision makers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24348/03]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. N. Dempsey)

My Department works predominantly with the trustees of post primary schools in seeking to obtain an agreement to amalgamate. My Department's work is guided by recommendations put forward by the Commission on School Accommodation in a report titled "Amalgamation of Second Level Schools" and would not generally extend to interacting with staff and parents. Prudent management of the amalgamation process requires that school managerial authorities determine the views of staff and parents. Such views as are expressed can then form part of the overall deliberations.