Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 April 2006
925 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Education and Science if her Department has concluded the assessment of the long-term accommodation needs of a new national school (details supplied); the details of same; and if there has been further progress in relation to the acquisition of a site for the new school. [15540/06]
View answer926 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Education and Science if she intends to look again at the unacceptable position whereby 23 schoolgoing children will be unable to attend a national school (details supplied) in September 2006; and if she will seek a solution with the board of management on this issue. [15541/06]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 925 and 926 together.
As previously outlined to the Deputy, the school to which he refers made an application for additional temporary accommodation for the 2006-07 school year. This has been approved by my Department. The extra accommodation will meet the needs of the school's enrolment policy which operates a cut-off point. This cut-off point will result in the carryover of a small number of pupils to the next school year which is not uncommon where an increasing demand for enrolments manifests itself. In the case in question, the cut-off point does not contravene the requirements of the Education (Welfare) Act.
With regard to the long-term accommodation needs of the school, my Department is examining the demographics of the area to determine the optimum school size required. It has commenced consultations with the school authority in this regard. This matter will be finalised as quickly as possible. In the meantime, the OPW continues in its efforts to acquire a site for the new school.
