Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 13 October 2016
37. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will announce the patronage of the proposed new secondary school in Mungret, County Limerick as soon as possible in view of the fact that parents and their children are being requested to nominate their choice of schools in the absence of knowing this school's patron; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30007/16]
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 Limerick City & Environs (South-West) area. 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.
In the context of the Common Applications System which operates in Limerick, my Department has been liaising with the Limerick Education Centre in this matter and understands that post-primary school opening days/nights are ongoing.
The assessment reports and the recommendations of the NSEG will be available on my Department's website following the announcement.
