Schools Amalgamation

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 10 December 2019

Tuesday, 10 December 2019

Ceisteanna (206)

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Ceist:

206. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he or his officials have had discussions with and received correspondence from a trust (details supplied) or the religious orders in charge of three of the secondary schools in Ballyfermot, Dublin 10, regarding an amalgamation of the three schools moving to a single campus and the creation of a single board; if there will be involvement of parents and teaching staff at each stage prior to decisions being taken; if his attention has been drawn to discussions to date on the fact a third of the pupils at the schools have special educational needs, that none of the three campuses are large enough to contain all three schools and the fact that the population of Ballyfermot, Cherry Orchard, Chapelizod and Bluebell is rising; the level of funding that will be committed to the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51486/19]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education and Skills

I can confirm to the Deputy that my Department is in contact with the patrons of the three schools in question, in relation to a proposed amalgamation of the schools.

I wish to advise the Deputy that the decision making authority for any amalgamation belongs to the Patron/Trustees of the school, and this is subject to the approval of the Department.

Any proposed change involves extensive negotiations, by the Patron, at local level and must be well planned and managed in a manner that accommodates the interests of students, parents, teachers, local communities and contributes to an inclusive education system. My Department will continue to liaise with the school Patron in this regard.