Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 10 April 2014
56. Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for Education and Skills if there are plans to amalgamate schools (details supplied) in County Galway; the work that has been done to date or the future plans that exist; if there is a timeframe for this project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17153/14]
View answerThe decision making authority for any amalgamation belongs to the Patron of a school, subject to the approval of the Minister for Education and Skills. My Department's role is to facilitate any such proposal or discussions between the relevant parties. The initiative for an amalgamation may come from a variety of sources, such as parents, staff, Board of Management and Patron. The schools to which the Deputy refers had been in discussion with my Department over a number of years in respect of a proposed amalgamation of the two post primary schools in question and the provision of a new school building for an amalgamated school. The most recent correspondence in the matter from the school was in 2010 at which time Department officials advised the school authorities that in the context of the projected demographic growth in the area and the capital funding commitment required, it was the Department's view that the existing primary and post primary schools should continue to operate independently in order to continue to meet the demand for school places. I understand that enrolments in the area have increased slightly in the intervening period. Amalgamations that may have major capital implications can only be considered within the context of my Department's capital budget and the challenges facing my Department in meeting national demographic demands.
