Joan Burton
Ceist:230. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Education and Skills the expected fall in national school pupils in County Donegal from current levels in years (details supplied), respectively. [3099/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 22 January 2019
Ceisteanna (230)
Freagraí scríofa
I wish to advise the Deputy that my Department is very aware of the importance of small schools to rural communities and particularly the most dispersed and remote communities. To provide such communities with security about the future of their schools, a commitment is contained in the Programme for a Partnership Government not to close any small school without the consent of parents.
I also wish to advise the Deputy that the decision making authority for a school closure belongs to the Patron of a school, and this is subject to the agreement of the Department. Any proposal to close a school must involve consultation with all of the relevant stakeholders, parents, teachers, students and local communities and follow decisions taken at local level.
I wish to advise the Deputy that my Department has not received any correspondence from the patrons of primary schools in County Donegal relating to plans to close schools under their patronage.