Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 11 October 2016
138. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Education and Skills when he plans to announce the patron of the proposed new secondary school for Castleknock-Carpenterstown in view of the fact that parents and the general community are anxiously awaiting his decision; when he proposes to make the announcement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29586/16]
View answerIn April 2016 applications were invited for the patronage of nine new post-primary schools to be established in 2017 and 2018, including the new post-primary school to serve the Carpenterstown and Castleknock areas. 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.
