Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 November 2010
172 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the total number of children expected to enrol at primary and second level schools in each of the next five years; the degree to which adequate classroom accommodation and provision of teaching staff is being provided; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41683/10]
View answerThe most recent projections used by my Department would see the projected enrolments at post-primary level increase from the current total enrolment (excluding PLCs) of circa 312,200 pupils to an expected enrolment of between 331,500 and 336,600 pupils by the year 2017. At primary level, the most recent projections would see an increase in enrolments from the current total enrolment of circa 505,600 pupils to an expected enrolment of circa 567,300 by 2017. It is within this context that the Forward Planning Section of my Department is in the process of analysing all areas in the country in order to determine the level of additional provision which will be required at both primary and post primary level up to 2017. The progression of all large scale building projects arising from Forward Planning Section's analysis will be considered in the context of my Department's School Building and Modernisation Programme. The staffing position at individual school level is determined by reference to the school's valid enrolment on 30 September of each year. The criteria for the allocation of teaching posts to schools is based on the staffing schedule which is published annually by my Department.
