asked the Minister for Education if he is aware that the proposal to amalgamate Doocastle and other schools in a central school situated in Bunnanadden is totally unacceptable to the parents and people of Doocastle and strongly opposed by a majority of parents and people in Killavile; and if he will accordingly drop the proposal and enter into consultation with all interested parties to evolve an acceptable amalgamation scheme.

In accordance with policy on smaller schools, the reorganisation of the educational facilities in Bunnanadden parish is under consideration in my Department at present. The district inspector has been requested to meet the parents of the four schools concerned to discuss amalgamation proposals with them and the matter will be further considered in the light of the outcome of these discussions.

Would the Minister say when, roughly?

I am not aware precisely, but I would imagine within a short period, and then we will decide on the outcome of these discussions.

The next three or four weeks.

About the next three or four weeks.