Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 18 April 2012
281 Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Education and Skills further to Parliamentary Question No. 134 of 21 March 2012, if he will make a commitment that he will guarantee that a school (details supplied) receives permanent recognition immediately and prioritises it on the list for a permanent structure. [17818/12]
View answerI wish to confirm to the Deputy that my Department is in receipt of a report from the school inspector following his visit to the school in October 2011.
My Department has considered the report and I am pleased to advise the Deputy that the school has now been granted permanent recognition. A letter conveying this decision has issued to the Patron and to the school authority.
In view of the need to ensure that every child has access to a school place, the delivery of major school projects to meet future demographic demands nationally will be the main focus for capital investment in schools in the coming years. The five year programme announced on 12 March last is focused on meeting those demographic needs. In that context, it was not possible to advance all applications for capital funding concurrently.
My Department is aware that the school to which the Deputy refers is currently located in rented accommodation and that a new school is required to meet its long term needs. However, in light of current competing demands on the Department's capital budget, it is not possible at this time to give an indicative timeframe for the progression of a project at this time.
