Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 7 December 2011
22 Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Education and Skills the total cost of having a school (details supplied) in County Kerry open, with no pupils attending, for the term after the summer holidays until its recent closure. [39132/11]
View answerMy Department was recently advised by the Patron's office for the school referred to by the Deputy that it was the Patron's intention to close the school with immediate effect. The Patron's office confirmed that this decision was taken as a result of demographic changes in the area and that demand no longer exists to support the viability of the school. Following confirmation of the Patron's decision the school principal was subsequently redeployed to a teaching post in a neighbouring school.
The day to day operating costs for all schools, including for the period prior to a closure, are dealt with at local school level rather than centrally within my Department. No grants are payable by my Department for the current school year in respect of this school. In relation to salary costs it is worth noting that the school principal was in a permanent post so was entitled to continue to be in receipt of salary while awaiting redeployment. During this period his role was to deal with any administrative work etc. associated with the school's closure.
