Vol. 518 No. 3
294 Mr. G. Reynolds asked the Minister for Education and Science if his Department has changed the policy regarding the building of secondary level schools from the amalgamation of existing school in the one area to providing two schools on the same site; and if he will give details of his Department's proposal for a school, details supplied, in County Leitrim. [11554/00]
My Department's established policy is to pursue rationalisation in small post-primary centres, such as that referred to by the Deputy, where the combined enrolment of the two existing schools is around 500 pupils and significant capital outlay is now required.
My Department has raised the question of amalgamation with the two school authorities and, while a measure of agreement exists as to the desirability of a single school, there is no consensus as to the management structure.
At the same time, both schools have applied for major capital investment and, because there are health and safety considerations, immediate action to provide replacement accommodation is called for. The proposal to provide all this accommodation on the same site is intended to create the conditions for a future amalgamation in the event that consensus is not attainable at present.
My Department is strongly of the view that a single school in modern accommodation is the best solution for this centre and will shortly renew its endeavours to secure agreement on the matter.
