Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 17 Feb 1998

Vol. 487 No. 3

Written Answers. - Primary School Places.

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

285 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Education and Science the assessments, if any, which have been made regarding demand for places in primary schools in the Blackrock, Stillorgan and Leopardstown areas over the next four years; the way it is proposed to meet this demand; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3766/98]

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

286 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Education and Science the primary schools in the Dún Laoghaire constituency and the primary schools in the Leopardstown, Sandyford, Stepaside and Kiltiernan areas of the Dublin South constituency; the numbers of pupils enrolled in each of these schools for each of the past five years; the projected school enrolment for each school for the next five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3767/98]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. Martin)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 285 and 286 together.

The statistical information sought by the Deputy is not readily available in my Department and the staff time required to assemble it could not be justified.

The position generally is that there are 3,300 primary schools nationally and my Department is not in a position to monitor each school's enrolment on a regular basis. Individual schools should alert my Department, in good time, where the need for additional accommodation is anticipated or where alternative arrangements need to be made to provide extra pupil places.

If the Deputy has a particular case in mind and provides me with the details, I will have it fully investigated.