Vol. 576 No. 6
175 Mr. Noonan asked the Minister for Education and Science if he has received a submission from a school (details supplied) in County Limerick regarding the retention of boys to sixth standard; if his attention has been drawn to the benefit that would be to those boys already attending the school and the benefit to the wider community; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30245/03]
My Department has received a proposal from the board of management of the school for a change of status from a girls' school with facilities for the teaching of infant boys to a fully vertical co-educational provider of primary education. In the first instance any such proposal must have the approval of the patron, and clarification in that regard has been sought. In addition, the proposal must also be examined in the context of existing provision and the likely impact such a change might have on other schools in the area. The agreement of schools in the area is also desirable.
When the relevant information is examined, a decision will be made on the proposal and notified to the relevant parties.
