Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 27 May 1993

Vol. 431 No. 5

Written Answers. - County Dublin Post-Primary Educational Facilities.

Liam Lawlor

Question:

82 Mr. Lawlor asked the Minister for Education if her attention has been drawn to the fact that the intake to Cabra Convent from the Castleknock area of Dublin has again decreased and that this intake will be only 15 pupils from each of the schools, St. Thomas The Apostle and St. Brigid's, for 1994-95 despite the fact that both schools will have almost 100 girl pupils between them seeking second level education; if she will give details of where these pupils will be accommodated; and if she will reconsider providing a second level school in Castleknock on the available site.

Minister for Education (Ms Bhreathnach)

I would refer the Deputy to my reply to Dáil Questions Nos. 538 and 334 answered on 10 February 1993 and 27 April 1993 respectively.

Intake policy is primarily a matter for individual school authorities, subject to acceptable criteria being applied. My Department's main responsibility in any area is to ensure that overall there is adequate accommodation to meet the demand for pupil places. To this end my Department constantly monitors the local situation to ensure that places are available for all pupils from Castleknock.

I should also add that as pupils in a major urban or suburban area are not confined to any particular school catchment area, it would be difficult to attempt a precise identification of post primary places available by school. My Department is keeping the situation in Castleknock under review.