Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 17 September 2014
1336. Deputy Michael P. Kitt asked the Minister for Education and Skills if her Department has made plans for additional school accommodation, staffing and funding for school transport to first level and second level schools, in view of increased school numbers in this school year; the expected increase in the school going population in the coming years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33719/14]
View answerThere is a growing population of young people in this country and despite the difficult financial circumstances being faced as a country, education was prioritised so that the number of teachers in the system has also grown in order to protect pupil teacher ratios.
While there has been a moratorium on recruitment across other sectors in the public service, this has not applied to teaching and shows the commitment this Government has to educating our future generations. To this effect, there were a thousand more teachers employed in schools around the country in the 2013/14 school year than there was the year before.
The main priority for any additional resources for the foreseeable future will be to cater for the continuing increase in demographics at all levels in the education system.
Furthermore, in June 2011, the Minister announced that some 40 new primary and post primary schools would be established up to 2017. Most of these schools have already commenced operation with the remainder due to start between now and 2016. Accommodation is provided to commence these schools as and when needed. In addition, accommodation for existing schools experiencing increases in their enrolment has been provided as appropriate. The Department is currently engaged in a nationwide demographic exercise to ascertain where additional school accommodation might be needed from 2015 onwards.
In relation to school transport, the purpose of my Department's School Transport Scheme is, having regard to available resources, to support the transport to and from school of children who reside remote from their nearest school.
School transport is a demand led service and eligible children applying for school transport will continue to be accommodated in accordance with the terms of the scheme.
