Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 September 2015
1210. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding an amalgamation of schools (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30716/15]
View answer1316. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Education and Skills her plans to facilitate a meeting between her Department officials and the Board of Management of schools (details supplied) in County Kerry regarding progressing the proposed amalgamation of these schools which is imperative for the future needs of education in this Gaeltacht area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31849/15]
View answer1330. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding a school amalgamation (details supplied) in County Kerry; if the matter will be progressed as a matter of urgency; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32043/15]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1210, 1316 and 1330 together.
I wish to advise the Deputies that my Department has received a proposal to amalgamate the two schools in question directly from the schools concerned. My Department is aware that extensive consultations relating to the proposal have been undertaken between relevant stakeholders locally.
The amalgamation proposal submitted sought a level of capital works commensurate with a major capital project. Due to the competing demands on my Department's capital budget imposed by the need to ensure that our school system is in a position to cater for significant demographic growth, my Department has indicated to the school authorities that it is not possible to provide an indicative timeframe for the progression of a major project at this time. However, my Department has asked the Patron and school authorities to consider alternative options including identifying the immediate capital works required to facilitate an amalgamation.
My Department will continue to liaise with the schools' Patron in the matter, and this can include discussion on the need for a meeting should this be required during the process.
