Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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118. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the progress to date in advancing a proposal in relation to primary school provision (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30497/24]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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I can confirm to the Deputy that my department has received a request from the patron of the schools under reference for the amalgamation of the two schools.

As the Deputy will be aware the decision making authority for school amalgamations belongs to the patron or trustees of a school, and this is subject to the approval of the Minister for Education. Any proposed change must involve extensive negotiations 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.

Officials from my Department are in contact with the Patron body in respect of the proposed amalgamation.

The Department’s technical team have carried out an assessment of the two schools. The consideration of the accommodation requirements for the schools in question forms part of the Planning and Building Unit’s overall assessment of its work programme and priorities in the context of available capital funding.

The provision of required school places, including for children with special educational needs, is a priority for my Department. My officials are working to ensure that there is sufficient provision to meet the school place needs in the school in question and the wider area for 2024/25 and future years.