Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 November 2013
253. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of two, three and four teacher schools that have embarked on the amalgamation process since the implementation of Budget 2012 teacher threshold increases; if he will provide a breakdown for each of the three sizes of school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50751/13]
View answer254. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he is satisfied that his Department provides enough assistance to any small school that wishes to explore the possibility of amalgamation with a nearby school; the process to be followed; the supports his Department provides; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50752/13]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 253 and 254 together. In the period referred to by the Deputy, 15 amalgamated primary schools have been established involving 30 primary schools. Of the 30 schools concerned, 10 schools had a staffing of 4 teachers or less at the time of amalgamation of which 1 was a 1 teacher school, 6 were 2 teacher schools, 2 were 3 teacher schools and 1 was a 4 teacher school.
The initiative for any amalgamation or re-organisation may come from a variety of sources, such as parents, staff, Boards of Management and in particular, the 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.
As the numbers of pupils in these schools is relatively small, it is not necessarily the case that capital investment would be needed to support amalgamation. However, each case is assessed on an individual basis to determine the extent and type of accommodation required taking into account the condition of buildings, site capacity etc. My Department would be available to discuss any issues arising with the Boards of Management of the schools and would aim to provide an appropriate accommodation solution and other resources including staffing subject to available resources.
