Vol. 535 No. 2
261 Mr. G. Reynolds asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will allow a primary school (details supplied) in County Sligo to remain open for another year, as the number of students attending the school will increase in the next 12 months. [12570/01]
In March 2001, following an assessment by my Department of enrolment trends at the school referred to by the Deputy, the board of management of the school was informed of the decision to withdraw grant-aid with effect from the end of the current school year. The basis for the decision was that, for the current and previous school year, enrolment had reached only five pupils. In that regard, the rules for national schools provide that grant-aid is not continued to a school at which the enrolment falls below eight pupils for two consecutive school years.
This decision was made on the basis of the information available to my Department at the time, which showed no evidence of potential for a reversal of recent enrolment trends at the school. To date, my Department has received no further correspondence from the school authorities in this regard.
However, in view of recent statements to the effect that the school's enrolment may increase in the coming year, I have asked officials of the planning section of my Department to contact the school authorities to discuss the matter with them.
262 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will give a commitment to the parents, pupils and teachers of Derrylehane national school, Grange, County Sligo, that it will not close as it is located in an area, that is experiencing additional growth and development when there will be an increase in numbers in the school catchment area and taking into account the fact that pupil balance will be maintained and the numbers will be sufficient to retain this school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12571/01]
In March 2001, following an assessment by my Department of enrolment trends at Derrylehane national school, the board of management of the school was informed of the decision to withdraw grant-aid with effect from the end of the current school year. The basis for the decision was that, for the current and previous school year, enrolment had reached only five pupils. In that regard, the rules for national schools provide that grant-aid is not continued to a school at which the enrolment falls below eight pupils for two consecutive school years.
