Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 11 February 2014
212. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the progress to date in determination of application to add a third stream to a school (details supplied) in County Kildare in order to accommodate the high numbers of parents who wish to have their children attend the local Gaelscoil; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6545/14]
View answer228. Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Education and Skills in view of the demand for places in a school (details supplied) in County Kildare, and the widespread parental preferences for education in the area through the Irish language, if he will agree to adding a third stream to the school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6843/14]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 212 and 228 together.
I can confirm that my Department has received an application from the school, referred to by the Deputies, for funding to facilitate the gaelscoil's growth to a third stream, i.e. a 24 classroom school. My Department is currently liaising with the Patron of the gaelscoil and a decision will be conveyed to the school authorities when this process has been finalised. The Deputies however will appreciate that my Department's over-riding objective is to ensure that every child will have access to a physical school place and that our school system is in a position to cope with increasing school numbers. To ensure that this is achieved, the delivery of new schools, together with extension projects, in areas where additional demographic need has been established, will be the main focus for capital investment in the coming years. My Department's assessment of any application made by a school for additional classroom accommodation will therefore necessarily take into account overall enrolments and the extent of the existing and planned school accommodation in that area.
