Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 30 Jun 1998

Vol. 493 No. 3

Written Answers. - School Placement.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

478 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science if he has received correspondence from persons (details supplied) in County Kildare regarding their daughter who has been refused admission to St. Mary's college, Naas, County Kildare, having regard to his response to Parliamentary Question No. 788 of 21 April 1998 where he stated that his Department is satisfied that St. Mary's college and the vocational school will between them have sufficient accommodation to cater for all girls seeking pupil places in the short-term; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16286/98]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. Martin)

I have received the representations referred to by the Deputy and inquiries are being made with a view to securing a suitable second-level school placement for the child in question for September 1999. I appreciate that some pupils may have a difficulty in securing a future placement at the school referred to by the Deputy. However, my Department's main responsibility is to ensure that schools in an area can, between them, cater for all pupils seeking second-level places in an area.

Following on the evaluation of school accommodation requirements of the Naas area carried out by the planning section of my Department, building projects have been approved for all three post primary schools in the area. The indications are that there will be sufficient second level pupil places between the three schools to meet the immediate demand in the area. It is ancticipated that the building projects in hand will further ease any pressure for places. Developments in the area will continue to be closely monitored by my Department to ensure that any additional emerging requirements are addressed as expeditiously as possible.

Jimmy Deenihan

Question:

479 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will provide the necessary funding to enable the extension to St. Michael's college, Listowel, County Kerry, to go to tender; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16287/98]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. Martin)

The detail design/contract documents for the proposed extension to St. Michael's college, Listowel, County Kerry were recently received in my Department's post-primary building unit and are currently being examined. When the submission has been found to be satisfactory, the school authorities will be authorised to invite tenders.