Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 September 2014
530. Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Education and Skills if any study has been completed by her Department in relation to the need for another second level Irish language school to cater for the demand for places in an area (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36958/14]
View answerMy Department is currently analysing demographic data on a nationwide basis to determine where additional school accommodation might be needed from 2015 onwards. The areas to which the Deputy refers will be examined as part of this process at both primary and post-primary level.
As part of the arrangements for establishing new post-primary schools, an initial decision is made by my Department, before seeking applications for patronage, on whether the schools will operate through the medium of Irish or English. This will apply for all new post-primary schools being established into the future.
The Deputy will be aware that my Department's current five-year construction plan is focused on meeting demographic demands to ensure that every child will have access to a physical school place and that our school system is in a position to accommodate increasing pupil numbers.
The establishment of any new school is, therefore, considered in the context of the overall need for additional school places to meet future demographic demands and new schools are advanced in line with an objective process and criteria for determining patronage and language medium of instruction.
In this regard, two new post-primary schools opened in the area referred to by the Deputy this September and each will cater for 1,000 pupils when fully developed.
