Vol. 562 No. 5
268 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Education and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 132 of 27 February 2003, the procedures for the closing of the primary school; his views on whether it is acceptable that in this case parents were notified of the closure without prior consultation and without alternative arrangements being made; and if he will tell parents the provision he is making for the education of their children from September 2004. [6781/03]
The options available to a school which is experiencing a severe decline in enrolments are straight closure, amalgamation with another school or schools, or reconfiguration of schools in an area.
In this case, the school authorities have decided to explore the possibility of amalgamating with another school in the area with effect from September 2004. The school has not taken any decision on a direct closure of the school. I understand that the school authorities have written to parents of pupils in the school advising them of their intentions to explore the option of amalgamating with another school and when some solid information is available on a possible way forward, then the intention is that parents will be invited to a meeting to inform them of the situation.
I have no doubt that whatever decision emerges on the future of the school, adequate provision will be made for the education of the children currently attending the school.
