Vol. 462 No. 8
163 Mrs. T. Ahearn asked the Minister for Education the reason a school (details supplied) in south County Tipperary is being closed, rather than amalgamated with its neighbouring school; the proposals, if any, she has for transport for the students involved; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5507/96]
The amalgamation of the school referred to by the Deputy with a neighbouring school was considered in the past but efforts to secure unanimous agreement to such a development were unsuccessful.
The enrolment at the school on 30 September 1995 had fallen to four pupils. Accordingly, my Department notified the school's management that grants would be withdrawn with effect from the end of the current school year. This is the normal course of action with schools of this size and is in accordance with the rules for national schools. Amalgamation was no longer considered appropriate as there were so few pupils involved.
The normal criteria for school transport will apply to the pupils concerned in this case. Eligibility will be determined by reference to distance to the nearest suitable school. The school management have been advised to submit to the school transport section of my Department details of those requiring transport.
