Schools Amalgamation

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 4 February 2014

Tuesday, 4 February 2014

Questions (198)

Eamonn Maloney

Question:

198. Deputy Eamonn Maloney asked the Minister for Education and Skills the consultative process related to primary school amalgamations and specifically the requirements regarding consultation with parents and school employees; if his Department has received notice of a proposed amalgamation of schools (details supplied) in Dublin 12; when and from whom such notice was received; the proposed timescale for the proposal; and the assurances he can give to parents regarding the continued availability of all educational and related services to children in the context of any proposed amalgamation. [4857/14]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

While my Department is aware of the Patron's proposals to merge the schools concerned, I have not received any proposal from the Patron in the matter. 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 belongs to the Patron of a school, subject to the approval of the Minister for Education and Skills.