Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 14 Nov 2000

Vol. 525 No. 5

Written Answers. - School Placement.

Joe Higgins

Question:

376 Mr. Higgins (Dublin West) asked the Minister for Education and Science the measures that have been taken to ensure that children leaving primary education in the catchment area for Castleknock community college, Dublin 15 will be guaranteed a place in the school in September 2001 and subsequent years. [25460/00]

Minister for Education and Science (Dr. Woods)

The difficulties arising at present due to the lack of places in Castleknock community college are being addressed as a matter of urgency by my Department.

The position in the Dublin 15 area generally is quite complex because, while some schools in the area are full to capacity, others are in a position to offer places. My Department has maintained regular contact with all of the schools concerned since earlier this year to determine how the anticipated difficulty in September 2001 can be averted and to secure agreement on a cooperative enrolment process in the area.

At this stage, I am not aware that any pupil from Dublin 15 seeking a place in a post-primary school in the area for next September has failed to do so. I can confirm, also, following discussions between the schools and my Department, that co-operative enrolment arrangements will be in place for 2002 and subsequent years. As part of these arrangements, every effort will be made to accommodate pupils in their local school. However, no guarantees can be given in that regard. The objective will be to ensure, to the greatest extent possible, that the existing schools can, between them, cater for demand within the area generally.

I am aware, also, that the level of housing development in Dublin 15 is such that further educational provision at first and second level will be required. Again, my Department is addressing this issue as a matter of priority in consultation with Fingal County Council.