Schools Building Projects Status

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 17 December 2015

Thursday, 17 December 2015

Questions (547)

Seán Kyne

Question:

547. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Education and Skills in the context of the recently published schools building programme, if the identification of County Galway as an area where additional provision may be required relates to the provision of a non-denominational second level school, for example, an Educate Together school; if she is carrying out ongoing consultation concerning the provision of second level schools under different patrons in County Galway; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45835/15]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

My Department uses a Geographical Information System (GIS) to identify where the pressure for school places will arise. The outcome of the latest demographic exercises, based on the GIS, is that on 17th November last, I announced the establishment of 4 primary schools and 9 post-primary schools to open in 2017 and 2018. I also indicated that a number of areas experiencing increased demographic pressure would be kept under ongoing review, including Galway City and Environs.

The patronage determination process for new schools is a separate process, which is run after it is decided that, based on the demographic data, a new school is required. Parental preferences are central to this process and prospective patrons are required to provide evidence of demand for their particular type of school. It is open to all patrons, patron bodies and prospective patrons, including Educate Together, to apply for patronage of a new school under this process.