Schools Amalgamation

Wednesday, 12 May 2021

Questions (151, 152)

Thomas Gould

Question:

151. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Education if her attention has been drawn to a proposed amalgamation of schools (details supplied) in Cork City. [24750/21]

View answer

152. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Education the recourse available to parents who disagree with proposed major changes to the school their child attends or will attend. [24751/21]

View answer

Written answers

Minister for Education

I propose to take Questions Nos. 151 and 152 together.

I wish to advise the Deputy that my Department has no record of receiving an application from the schools in question in relation to a proposed amalgamation.

As the decision-making authority for any amalgamation is the patron/trustees of the schools concerned, it is open to any patron to submit proposals to the Department for consideration.

Any proposed change involves extensive negotiations at local level and must be well planned and managed in a manner that accommodates the interests of students, parents, teachers, local communities and contributes to an inclusive education system.

Question No. 152 answered with Question No. 151.