Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 11 December 2014
175. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Education and Skills if more non-denominational schools will be provided in an area (details supplied) in Dublin 9; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47632/14]
View answerMy Department is currently analysing the latest demographic data on a nationwide basis to determine where additional school accommodation might be needed in the coming years.
This process includes an examination of the Dublin 9 area. If it is determined that a new school is needed for this area, an open and objective patronage determination process will follow and existing and prospective patrons may apply to run the school. This includes patrons proposing a non-denominational ethos.
It may be useful for the Deputy to know that a survey of parents in the Whitehall area of Dublin (which included part of the Catholic parish of Beaumont) was undertaken by my Department in 2012 under the patronage divesting process. The outcome of the parental survey was that a sufficient number of parents said they would avail of a multi-denominational school if that choice of patronage was available to them. Discussions are continuing with the main Catholic Patron in this area to progress this matter.
