Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 June 2019
177. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he or his predecessors have made direct contact by phone to a person (details supplied) concerning the amalgamation of three Catholic primary schools; if so, the nature and content of the communication; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25006/19]
Amharc ar fhreagra178. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Education and Skills the directions with time limits given to the representatives of an archdiocese (details supplied) concerning the amalgamation of three Catholic primary schools and the creation of a single new school entity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25007/19]
Amharc ar fhreagra179. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Education and Skills if a design team has been appointed for a proposed Roman Catholic primary school in Tuam, County Galway; if so, the person or body; when they were appointed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25008/19]
Amharc ar fhreagra180. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Education and Skills if funds have been allocated in capital budgets or otherwise for the construction of the new proposed Roman Catholic primary school in Tuam, County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25009/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 177 to 180, inclusive, together.
I wish to advise the Deputy that neither I nor my predecessor made direct contact with the person in question.
I can confirm to the Deputy that the Patron of the amalgamated schools advised my Department in writing that the three catholic primary schools in question were amalgamating on the 1st September 2019. My Department is currently working on the accommodation brief for the new school building in consultation with the school authority based on staffing schedules for the amalgamated schools.
Given my the Department’s experience and assuming no significant issues arise during the project such as delay at planning permission stage it is reasonable to target 2022 for the commencement of the construction phase for the project.
