Vol. 436 No. 4
222 Mr. Molloy asked the Minister for Education if she has received an application from a school (details supplied) in County Galway for permission to change to a co-educational school; the reason for the delay in the decision regarding this request; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
An application has been received from the school referred to by the Deputy seeking sanction to become a fully co-educational school.
A preliminary examination indicated that such a move would have implications for the enrolments and staffing in other schools in the general area. The Deputy will appreciate that where schools are in close proximity any change in the traditional enrolment pattern of one school may give rise to serious implications for adjoining schools. My Department decided that there should be no change for the 1993-94 school year but that the matter would be fully examined early in that year. This examination is currently being carried out.
