Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 19 November 2013
233. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will ensure that parents and pupils are central to any decision to amalgamate four schools (details supplied) in Dublin 10 into two schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48938/13]
View answer234. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will ensure that the amalgamation of four schools (details supplied) in Dublin 10 into two schools does not lead to overcrowding, increased class sizes or loss of teachers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48939/13]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 233 and 234 together. The initiative for any amalgamation or re-organisation may come from a variety of sources, such as parents, staff, Boards of Management and patron. Any such proposal to amalgamate schools must involve consultation with all of the relevant stakeholders and follow decisions taken at local level. The decision making authority for any amalgamation, including any appropriate arrangements, belongs to the Patron of a school subject to the approval of the Minister for Education and Skills. Irrespective of the amalgamation process, the pupil-teacher ratio still applies and there would be no disadvantage to any children in the schools referred to by the Deputy. However, I can confirm that my Department has not received any proposals from the Patron in relation to the future accommodation arrangements for the four schools referred to.
