Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 9 April 2014
27. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the extent to which the current school admissions policy is adequately geared to meeting the enrolment numbers presenting throughout the country with particular reference to areas of higher populations growth; the extent to which primary and second level schools are so affected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16424/14]
View answerCurrent school admissions policy or indeed the changes to admission policy that I want to bring about can influence how individuals are treated fairly in any one school when seeking admission, but admission policy cannot in itself address the issue raised by the Deputy.
It is the work done by the Planning and Building Unit of my Department that can ensure that there are sufficient school places available overall in any area to meet population growth.
The Forward Planning Section of my Department utilises a Geographical Information System (GIS) to analyse demographic data in order to determine the areas where additional school accommodation may be required. A variety of sources are used in this analysis, including census data, school enrolment data, and child benefit data obtained from the Department of Social Protection.
In March 2012, I announced a five year school building programme to cater for increasing demographics across all areas of growing population.
