Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 November 2012
121. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education and Skills the response to date to the first five parental surveys on patronage carried out by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51310/12]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware, the closing date for completion of these surveys in the five pilot areas was last Friday, 9 November.
In the Arklow survey there were 384 responses representing 706 children.The Castlebar survey had 465 responses representing 932 children.The Tramore survey had 276 responses representing 563 children.The Trim survey had 300 responses representing 588 children and finally the Whitehall survey had 546 responses representing 987 children.
In summary there were a total of 1,971 responses representing a total of 3,776 children. This is preliminary data and may be subject to change following validation.
My Department is preparing a detailed report on the surveys which will be reviewed by the New Schools Establishment Group. When the analysis is finalised, and drawing on feedback from the patron bodies, consideration will be given to any appropriate modifications in implementing the surveys in the remainder of the identified 44 survey areas.
