Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 30 April 2015
185. Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Education and Skills if she will provide, in tabular form, the number of spaces available for children to attend both primary and secondary school in Milltown parish in Dublin 6; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17143/15]
View answerI wish to advise the Deputy that the question of enrolment in individual schools is the responsibility of the managerial authority of the school. There is a responsibility on schools to manage their own enrolment policies to ensure that they operate within the level of accommodation available to them.
The Deputy will be aware that St Mary's National School will be providing an additional junior infant class in September 2015 to cater for the emerging demographic demand. I understand that the school authority is making arrangements to offer places in this class.
On 5th February last, I announced that seven new primary schools are to be established nationally in the next two years. Four are scheduled to open in 2015 and three will open in 2016. One of the schools to be established in 2016 will cater for demographic demand in the area referred to by the Deputy.
My announcement followed a detailed analysis of demographic data at primary level undertaken by my Department. Where that analysis identified areas for the expansion of existing schools, it is my intention to address these through the Five Year School Capital Investment Plan.
With regard to post primary provision, my Department is currently carrying out a nationwide demographic exercise to determine where additional post-primary school accommodation might be needed from 2017 onwards. On foot of this review, arrangements will be made to provide additional post-primary accommodation where this is needed.
It is open to schools to submit applications for funding under my Department's Additional Accommodation Scheme to meet an immediate accommodation requirement because of increased enrolments and where an additional teacher is being appointed. The relevant application form may be accessed on my Department's website at www.education.ie.
