Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 11 October 2016
137. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will identify the nine schools awaiting the nomination of a patron by his Department; when he plans to let the communities know the outcome of the process for identifying the patron; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29585/16]
View answerIn April 2016 applications were invited for the patronage of nine new post-primary schools to be established, six in 2017 and three in 2018. The areas where these nine new post-primary schools are:
Carpenterstown and Castleknock, Dublin 15
Limerick City and Environs (South-West)
Lucan, Co. Dublin
Malahide and Portmarnock, Co. Dublin
Portlaoise, Co. Laois
Swords, Co. Dublin
Limerick City & Environs (East)
Dublin South City Centre
Firhouse, Dublin 24
The closing date for receipt of applications for this process was 8 June 2016. Patrons submitted with their application a parental preference template in which parents have been requested to declare their preference for their child to be educated through that patron's school model and also their preference with regard to education through the medium of English or Irish.
Applications received are currently being assessed by my Department. The assessment process is detailed and rigorous and numerous applications have been received in respect of each of the nine proposed new post-primary schools.
The final assessment reports will be forwarded for the consideration of the New Schools Establishment Group (NSEG). The NSEG is an external independent advisory group set up to oversee the process. Following the Group's consideration, they will submit a report with recommendations to me for consideration and final decision. I will then announce who the successful patron of each school is. I expect to receive this report in the coming weeks.
The assessment reports and the recommendations of the NSEG will be available on my Department's website following the announcement.
