Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 May 2022
374. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Education if she will consider the request from an organisation (details supplied) for schools to be allowed to amalgamate; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25956/22]
View answerI wish to advise the Deputy, that the decision-making authority for any amalgamation is the patron/trustees of the schools concerned and it is open to any patron to submit proposals to the Department for consideration.
Any proposed change involves extensive consultation 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.
The Patron and relevant stakeholders are also advised to consider the implications that any amalgamation proposal may have on factors such as school accommodation, funding, staffing and school transport so that an informed decision can be made.
However, I can confirm to the Deputy that my Department is not in receipt of any application from the schools in question to amalgamate.
