Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 25 February 2004
169 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the shortage of primary school places in Portlaoise and to the fact that parents in Portlaoise are being told that their children must wait until they are six before they will receive school places; the plans he has to provide additional primary places in Portlaoise for September 2004; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6187/04]
View answerThe Deputy will be aware that a facilitator, Dr. Tom McCarthy, was appointed to assist in the development of a long-term plan for the provision of primary and post-primary school accommodation in the Portlaoise area.
Following receipt of his recommendations it was decided that the educational provision at post-primary level required to be addressed as a matter of urgency. As this has now been finalised, officials in the school planning section of my Department are examining the educational provision at primary level with a view to establishing the best way forward. The school authorities will be kept informed of the situation.
