Paul Kehoe
Question:118. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Skills his plans for the building of a school (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29380/16]
View answerTuesday, 11 October 2016
Questions (118)
Written answers
As the Deputy may be aware, the Programme for a Partnership Government reflects the Government's objective of strengthening parental choice and further expanding diversity in our school system. The desire of parents for diversity in education is primarily being pursued by increasing the number of non-denominational and multi-denominational schools with a view to reaching 400 by 2030. I am progressing the patronage divesting/reconfiguration programme as a priority in this context. I plan to announce the new approaches which will be pursued in that regard within the timeframe indicated in the Action Plan for Education.
In the context of the patronage divesting process, New Ross Educate Together National School opened in September 2015 in temporary accommodation. With regard to the potential future use of the building referred to by the Deputy, my Department has worked with the relevant authorities to progress securing it as permanent accommodation for New Ross Educate Together National School. The building project to provide new accommodation for the amalgamated school which will free up this school property for alternative educational use is currently under construction with an anticipated substantial completion date of December 2016.