I propose to take Questions Nos. 220 and 221 together.
My Department does not engage in direct consultations with the Department of the Environment and Local Government in relation to the planning or control of increased housing provision. The process of assessing the need for educational facilities at primary or second level in any given area entails consideration by my Department of all relevant factors, including enrolment and demographic trends, housing developments and the capacity of existing schools to meet the demand for places.
As part of this process, my Department monitors county development plans and area action plans and meets with local authorities as required to establish the location, scale and pace of major housing developments. Liaison with existing schools is important, also, and these would usually alert my Department where the need for additional accommodation is anticipated. My Department also obtains statistical information from the Department of the Environment and Local Government on a quarterly basis, relating to house completions by sector, area and type.
An assessment is carried out of the likely implications of major housing developments in relation to the capacity of any existing schools. In the event that the level of development and population growth in an area indicates a likely long-term need for additional primary or second level educational provision, a decision is made on the means by which that need should be met. Generally, this involves the provision of permanent accommodation in the form of a new school or an extension to existing facilities. Where appropriate, the local authority is requested to reserve a site for educational purposes and the Department acquires the site for school building purposes, in due course. Temporary or prefabricated accommodation is normally provided to alleviate short-term accommodation needs.