School Accommodation

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 4 December 2014

Thursday, 4 December 2014

Questions (170)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

170. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills if her attention has been drawn to the concerns and frustrations of parents in Maynooth, County Kildare, whose children find themselves unable to obtain a place in Maynooth post-primary schools notwithstanding protracted deliberation surrounding the setting up of two separate schools on the same site when the parents' choice was a single school entity operating on a senior and junior cycle basis that would have eliminated the possibility of any such issues; if the situation may be re-examined as a matter of urgency with a view to resolution; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46646/14]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

As the Deputy will be aware, many representations have been received, and much consideration has been given to this matter. As previously outlined, for compelling educational reasons and to safeguard the integrity of the patronage determination process, both the new post-primary school for Maynooth, which opened in September this year to meet demographic need, and the existing post-primary school will operate as fully –vertical post-primary schools delivering both the junior and senior cycle. There is no change to this position. My Department's main responsibility is to ensure that schools in an area can, between them, cater for all pupils seeking places. This may result, however, in some pupils not obtaining a place in the school of their first choice. Both schools operate under the patronage of the Kildare & Wicklow Education and Training Board, which has appointed a single Governing Authority to guarantee to Parents/Guardians and Students a fair and equitable enrolment policy for both schools and to ensure that the overall management of the campus will be as cohesive and effective as possible.