Tuesday, 12 Jun 2018

Written Answers Nos. 360-381

Insurance Costs

Questions (360)

Thomas Byrne

Question:

360. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reason special schools are subject to increasing insurance premiums; and the steps he will take in this regard. [24797/18]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

The two main grants provided by my Department are the Capitation grant to cater for day to day running costs such as heating, lighting, cleaning, insurance, general up-keep etc. and an Ancillary Services grant to cater for the cost of employing ancillary services staff. Schools are permitted to regard the Capitation and Ancillary grants as a combined grant.

In addition, enhanced payments are made for all students attending special schools and special classes. The rates vary, depending on the particular category of disability.

Responsibility for procurement of insurance and payment of same rests with Board of Management in respect of schools operated by them. If a particular school has a query in relation to the cost of insurance it should raise this directly with its insurance provider. Boards of Management should take a proactive approach when it comes to sourcing insurance in order to ensure best value is obtained and to ensure compliance with public procurement procedures. Schools Procurement Unit which has a national remit is available to advise and assist schools in relation to procurement matters.

Issues relating specifically to insurance costs in special schools were brought to my attention, through correspondence received from a number of special schools and through discussions with the National Association of Boards of Management in Special Education (NABMSE) .

I am advised that general increases in costs this year were due, in some instances, to an annual increase in insurance costs generally and in some cases, an increase in claims against special schools.

Separately, a number of special schools under the patronage of organisations that are funded by the HSE to provide health and personal social services on behalf of the HSE under Section 38 of the Health Act, experienced increased insurance quotes, when the funded bodies were delegated to the General Indemnity Scheme (GIS) under the State Claims Agency.

The effect of the delegation was that the special schools under their patronage needed to seek separate insurance cover.

Officials from my Department have been working with the State Claims Agency, in recent months, to seek a resolution to this issue. General agreement has been reached and work is underway to determine whether the special schools directly affected can be included under the General Indemnity Scheme.

Tax Collection

Questions (361, 362, 363)

Joan Burton

Question:

361. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he is satisfied that all payments made by schools for services covered by relevant contracts tax, RCT, were correctly treated by those schools for tax purposes in regard to the moneys expended by schools on construction activities including the summer works schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24809/18]

Joan Burton

Question:

362. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of schools which received funding under the summer works schemes or other projects which may fall within the RCT system audited by his Department in each of the years 2013 to 2017; the proportion of the number of the schools involved audited; the proportion of the spend involved in those audits; the number of cases in which his Department was concerned over the operation of RCT in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24810/18]

Joan Burton

Question:

363. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Education and Skills if his Department has had meetings with the Revenue Commissioners regarding the operation of RCT by schools; if so, the dates of those meetings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24811/18]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

I propose to take Questions Nos. 361 to 363, inclusive, together.

My Department liaises with the Revenue Commissioners directly on tax related issues as the need arises, however, I can confirm that there has been no communication between my Department’s Finance Unit and the Revenue Commissioners specifically in relation to RCT in schools.

The Deputy will probably be aware that, under tax law, a school authority is regarded by the Revenue Commissioners as the "Principal Contractor" for tax purposes when it is delivering a building project. My Department advises a school authority of this at the time the grant for the works is being approved. Schools are also advised that the Revenue Commissioners have published a guidance document for school management authorities in this matter which is available on both my Departments website and the Revenue Commissioners’ website.

The main requirement for a school to meet its obligations is to register with the Revenue Commissioners’ online system and to follow the Revenue Commissioners’ guidance in relation to deducting and paying over tax, where this arises, for the contractor carrying out the works.

It is a matter for the Revenue Commissioners to decide, in the context of the specific tax affairs of the individual contractors employed by schools, whether or not tax is to be applied to the service being provided and at what rate that tax should be applied.

Before the grant for the works can be drawn down from my Department, a school authority must confirm to my Department that it has complied with its tax obligations. A grant will not be paid in the absence of this confirmation. However, the tax treatment itself of the services provided lies within the competency of the Revenue Commissioners and this aspect is, therefore, strictly a matter between a school authority and that Body. My Department does not keep the statistical data sought by the Deputy for these reasons.

School Transport Availability

Questions (364)

Pat Buckley

Question:

364. Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Minister for Education and Skills the services available to assist young adults with a disability such as a person (details supplied) who had been availing of school transport accessing their continuing education as before; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24816/18]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Education and Skills

School transport is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department.

Currently over 116,000 children, including almost 12,000 children with special educational needs, are being transported in over 4,500 vehicles on a daily basis to primary and post-primary schools throughout the country covering over 100 million kilometres annually at a total cost of almost €190 million in 2017.

Under the terms of my Department's School Transport Scheme for Children with Special Educational Needs, children are eligible for transport where they are attending the nearest recognised school that is or can be resourced to meet their special educational needs.

Special Schools funded by my Department are intended to cater for children and young persons with special educational needs from 4 years until the end of the school year in which they reach their 18th year.

At that point, the Department of Health/Health Service Executive assumes direct responsibility for young adults with special educational needs who are over 18 years.

Accordingly, the person referred to by the Deputy is not eligible for school transport under the terms of the above scheme.

Schools Building Projects Applications

Questions (365)

Joan Burton

Question:

365. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Education and Skills if authorisation has issued to the board of management of a school (details supplied) to commence the pre-qualification of contractors for the new school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24827/18]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

The Department recently completed the review of the Stage 2(b) submission for the project referred to by the Deputy and comments have issued. Each member of the design team was requested to submit written confirmations that they have completed a final review and are satisfied that the tender documentation is fully compliant with the Department’s Technical Guidance Documents, Building Control (Amendment) Regulations and new Public Works Contract (PWC) tender documentation requirements.

These confirmations have recently been received and the Board of Management was authorised to commence the pre-qualification process to select a short-list of contractors for this project on 15 May 2018. Pre-qualification normally takes between eight and 12 weeks to complete. When pre-qualification is complete the project will then be progressed to tender stage.

Schools Building Projects Applications

Questions (366)

Joan Burton

Question:

366. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of tenders received for the construction of the new Educate Together school, Maynooth, County Kildare by the closing date for completed tenders of 9 May 2018; when the tender report will be completed; when construction will commence on the new school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24828/18]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

The tender return period for this project was extended to 30 May. It would not be appropriate to provide details of tenders during an ongoing tender process. When the tender analysis is complete the project will then proceed to construction. This is expected to be in Quarter 3 of 2018.

Schools Building Projects Applications

Questions (367)

Joan Burton

Question:

367. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of expressions of interest received for the construction of a school (details supplied) by the closing date for receipt of expressions of interest of 21 May 2018; when it is expected that tenders will be invited for the project; when construction is likely to commence on the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24829/18]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

Expressions of interest were received from 16 main contractors for the project to which the Deputy refers. The Design team is currently assessing the information provided. This will be completed as quickly as possible. When this process has been completed, the project can proceed to tender. It is not possible to say when construction will commence until the tender process has been completed.

Schools Building Projects Applications

Questions (368)

Joan Burton

Question:

368. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Education and Skills if approval will issue to a school (details supplied) in regard to its application for additional school accommodation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24830/18]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

I wish to advise the Deputy that my Department has approved additional accommodation at the school in question and the school has been advised accordingly. The project is being devolved to the school authority for delivery.

Schools Building Projects Applications

Questions (369)

Joan Burton

Question:

369. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Education and Skills if the delivery of the required refurbishment and extension to a school (details supplied) has been devolved to Kildare and Wicklow Education and Training Board; when a design team will be appointed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24831/18]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

The delivery of the project to which the Deputy refers is being devolved to the Kildare and Wicklow Education and Training Board, KWETB. A project brief has recently being finalised and my Department is currently preparing a Service Level Agreement for issue to KWETB. Once the Service Level Agreement has been executed, KWETB will commence the process of appointing a Design Team to deliver the project.

Schools Site Acquisitions

Questions (370)

Joan Burton

Question:

370. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Education and Skills further to Parliamentary Question No. 186 of 24 April 2018, if there has been further progress with the site acquisition process; when a design team will be appointed to secure planning permission for the two new schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24832/18]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

I can confirm that my Department is in the process of acquiring a site to accommodate the schools to which the Deputy refers.

There are some outstanding clarifications required with regard to the site before matters can be progressed and, with a view to progressing the site acquisition, my Department has been in contact with the vendor requesting an update on these.

My Department is aware of the current temporary arrangements for the schools and, subject to no issues arising, will be appointing a design team to progress the project to architectural planning as soon as it is possible to do so.

Schools Building Projects Applications

Questions (371)

Joan Burton

Question:

371. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Education and Skills if the stage 2B report for a school (details supplied) has been approved; if the school has been authorised to invite expressions of interest from contractors for the construction project; when the construction is likely to commence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24834/18]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

The building project referred to by the Deputy is for a new 24 classroom school including a Special Needs Unit, with a floor area of approx. 4,748 m2.

The project is currently at Stage 2B of Architectural Planning. The Stage 2B report is being finalised and the Department is engaging with the Design Team in that regard.

On completion of Stage 2b and providing no other issues arise, the Department will be in a position to authorise the project to proceed to pre-qualification of contractors. The Department has written to the school outlining the projected timeframe for progression of this project to tender and construction stage and the steps involved.

Schools Building Projects Applications

Questions (372)

Joan Burton

Question:

372. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of expressions of interest received for the construction of a school (details supplied) by the closing date for receipt of expressions of interest of 3 May 2018; when it is expected that tenders will be invited for the project; when construction is likely to commence on the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24835/18]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

The major building project referred to by the Deputy is currently at Stage 2b – Detailed Design.

This project was authorised to commence the Pre-Qualification of Contractors in April 2018.The pre-qualification and short-listing of suitable contractors normally takes between 8 and 12 weeks to complete.

The Design Team has confirmed that it has received 23 expressions of interest and these applications are currently being assessed. A pre-qualification report will be forwarded to the Department once this exercise is complete.

Thereafter, the tender process for the awarding of a construction contract will be carried out. This process takes between seven and eight months to complete.

In February 2018 my Department issued a letter to the school and its Design Team advising them of a timeframe for the progression of this project through to Construction.

School Guidance Counsellors

Questions (373)

Fiona O'Loughlin

Question:

373. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Education and Skills if the review of career guidance services in schools, higher education institutes and colleges of further education will include special schools; and his plans to provide career guidance to persons of 16 to 18 years of age attending special schools who are not in receipt of the service. [24843/18]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

I can assure the Deputy that the views of special schools will be included in this review.

The purpose of the review of career guidance is to ensure that we are providing high quality, relevant career guidance information to students from post–primary level up to further and higher education. The review will look at the quality of information available to students and adults in relation to career guidance, the sources of this information and how the system is organised to support students and adults in this area.

The review is being carried out by independent consultants and will be guided and informed by a Steering Group. As part of the consultants proposed methodological approach to the review, my Department invited submissions from all interested stakeholders to assist in shaping the review by highlighting key issues to be considered in the course of carrying out the review. Drawing on the results of the consultation and further consideration by the Steering Group the question of the role and objectives of career guidance in supporting students in special schools will be assessed further. The closing date for receipt of submissions was Friday 1 June 2018.

In relation to career guidance for 16 to 18 year old persons attending special schools, the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is responsible, through its network of Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENOs) for determining the appropriate staffing levels in special schools. Enhanced pupil teacher and Special Needs Assistant (SNA) ratios are provided to special schools to support them in dealing with pupil’s educational and care needs. Special schools are staffed based on their actual current pupil profiles and the disability category of each pupil, as opposed to primarily by school designation, in recognition that many special schools now enrol students from disability categories other than those provided for by their original school designations. This process means that it is for school authorities to determine its staffing requirements in accordance with the requirements of the cohort of students attending the school which includes how best to use that resource to cater for curricular content.

Schools Site Acquisitions

Questions (374)

John Curran

Question:

374. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Education and Skills the progress made to date on the site acquisition process that will identify the location of the new 1,000 pupil post-primary school to be established in 2020 to serve the Tallaght, Newcastle and Rathcoole area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24852/18]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

As the Deputy is aware, I recently announced the opening of 42 new schools over the next four years. This announcement followed nationwide demographic exercises carried out by my Department into the current and future need for primary and post-primary school places across the country. The school to which the Deputy refers was part of that announcement.

In line with the policy on the use of state assets (Department of Public Expenditure and Reform Circulars 11/15 and 17/16), my Department is seeking to maximise the use of sites already in my ownership and of available properties in the ownership of other State bodies, where these are considered suitable. In addition as part of my Department's ongoing engagement with Local Authorities in respect of statutory planning processes and under the MoU on school site acquisitions, my Department is examining all potential suitable site options, including appropriately zoned sites, to serve the relevant area. Taking into account all of the above, a decision will then be made as part of the site acquisition process in relation to an appropriate site for the school to which the Deputy refers and will be confirmed at a later date.

Schools Site Acquisitions

Questions (375)

John Brassil

Question:

375. Deputy John Brassil asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will sanction the granting of funds for the purchase of an available site zoned for educational purposes for a school (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24864/18]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

As the Deputy is aware, a building project for the school referred to is included in my Department's 6 Year Capital Programme.

The project for the school in question was being progressed in the School Building Programme on the basis of an available site, i.e. the current site in the ownership of the ETB. In that regard a technical site visit was carried out by my Department at the ETB site with a view to developing the project brief. In regard to the alternative site referred to by the Deputy, I can confirm that my Department has not received a submission from the school Patron in relation to the acquisition of this site. A submission for an alternative proposal would be considered by my Department should the Patron wish to submit same.

Multidenominational Schools

Questions (376)

Joan Collins

Question:

376. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Education and Skills if, in the absence of a co-educational, multidenominational, non-fee paying secondary school in the Dublin 8 and 12 catchment areas, these areas will be included in the Dublin 6, 6W and Clonskeagh catchment areas (details supplied). [24883/18]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

As the Deputy will be aware, in November 2016, I announced the patronage of a new 1,000 pupil post-primary school to be established in 2018 to serve the Dublin South City Centre area. This new school, which will be a co-educational, multi-denominational school under the patronage of Educate Together, will serve the Dublin 8 school planning area, along with the Dublin 2, Dublin 4, Dublin 6 and Clonskeagh school planning areas as a regional solution.

More recently, in April 2018, I announced plans for the establishment of 42 new schools over the next four years (2019 to 2022), including new post-primary schools for areas adjacent to Dublin 8 and Dublin 12 as follows:

- new 1,000 pupil post-primary school to be established in 2020 as a regional solution to serve the Dublin 6, Clonskeagh and Dublin 6W school planning areas

- new 600 pupil post-primary school to be established in 2021 to serve the Dublin 2 and Dublin 4 school planning area.

These new schools will further reduce pressure on schools in the adjacent school planning areas, including the Dublin 8 and 12 areas. A patronage process, which will be open to all patron bodies, will be run by my Department to decide who will operate these schools.

Schools Building Projects Status

Questions (377, 384)

Darragh O'Brien

Question:

377. Deputy Darragh O'Brien asked the Minister for Education and Skills the measures he is taking to resolve the chronic shortage of primary school places in Kinsealy, Malahide and Portmarnock; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24949/18]

Darragh O'Brien

Question:

384. Deputy Darragh O'Brien asked the Minister for Education and Skills the measures he is taking to resolve the chronic shortage of primary school places in Kinsealy, Malahide and Portmarnock; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24956/18]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

I propose to take Questions Nos. 377 and 384 together.

In order to plan for school provision and analyse the relevant demographic data, my Department divides the country into 314 school planning areas. For school planning purposes Kinsealy, Malahide, and Portmarnock are located in the Malahide, Nevinstown and Portmarnock school planning areas.

As the Deputy will be aware, I announced plans for the establishment of 42 new schools over the next four years (2019 to 2022). This announcement follows nationwide demographic exercises carried out by my Department into the future need for primary and post-primary schools across the country and the 4-year horizon will enable increased lead-in times for planning and delivery of the necessary infrastructure.

In addition to the new schools announced, there will be a need for further school accommodation in other areas in the future. Based on the current analysis, this need can be addressed through either planned capacity increases in existing schools or additional accommodation or extensions to existing schools. Approximately 40% of school places are delivered by extending existing schools, rather than by building new schools.

I have highlighted that the requirement for new schools will be kept under on-going review and in particular would have regard for the increased roll-out of housing provision as outlined in Project Ireland 2040.

I wish to advise the Deputy that in September 2014, a new multi-denominational primary school was established to serve both of these school planning areas.

Schools Building Projects Status

Questions (378, 385)

Darragh O'Brien

Question:

378. Deputy Darragh O'Brien asked the Minister for Education and Skills the measures he is taking to resolve the chronic shortage of primary school places in Swords; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24950/18]

Darragh O'Brien

Question:

385. Deputy Darragh O'Brien asked the Minister for Education and Skills the measures he is taking to resolve the chronic shortage of secondary school places in Swords; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24957/18]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

I propose to take Questions Nos. 378 and 385 together.

In order to plan for school provision and analyse the relevant demographic data, my Department divides the country into 314 school planning areas. For school planning purposes, Swords is located in the Swords school planning area.

As the Deputy will be aware, I announced plans for the establishment of 42 new schools over the next four years (2019 to 2022) including two 8-classroom primary schools to be established in Swords North and Swords South, in 2019. In addition, a new 1,000 pupil multi-denominational post-primary school under the patronage of Dublin and Dún Laoghaire Education and Training Board to serve the Swords school planning area will be established in September 2018.

This announcement follows nationwide demographic exercises carried out by my Department into the future need for primary and post-primary schools across the country and the 4-year horizon will enable increased lead-in times for planning and delivery of the necessary infrastructure.

In addition to the new schools announced, there will be a need for further school accommodation in other areas in the future. Based on the current analysis, this need can be addressed through either planned capacity increases in existing schools or additional accommodation or extensions to existing schools. Approximately 40% of school places are delivered by extending existing schools, rather than by building new schools.

I have highlighted that the requirement for new schools will be kept under on-going review and in particular would have regard for the increased roll out of housing provision as outlined in Project Ireland 2040.

Schools Building Projects Status

Questions (379, 387)

Darragh O'Brien

Question:

379. Deputy Darragh O'Brien asked the Minister for Education and Skills the measures he is taking to resolve the chronic shortage of primary school places in Donabate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24951/18]

Darragh O'Brien

Question:

387. Deputy Darragh O'Brien asked the Minister for Education and Skills the measures he is taking to resolve the chronic shortage of secondary school places in Donabate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24959/18]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

I propose to take Questions Nos. 379 and 387 together.

In order to plan for school provision and analyse the relevant demographic data, my Department divides the country into 314 school planning areas. For school planning purposes Donabate is located in the Donabate school planning area.

As the Deputy will be aware, I announced plans for the establishment of 42 new schools over the next four years (2019 to 2022), including a 16-classroom primary school for the Donabate school planning are, to be established in 2020. This announcement follows nationwide demographic exercises carried out by my Department into the future need for primary and post-primary schools across the country and the 4-year horizon will enable increased lead-in times for planning and delivery of the necessary infrastructure.

In addition to the new schools announced, there will be a need for further school accommodation in other areas in the future. Based on the current analysis, this need can be addressed through either planned capacity increases in existing schools or additional accommodation or extensions to existing schools. Approximately 40% of school places are delivered by extending existing schools, rather than by building new schools.

I have highlighted that the requirement for new schools will be kept under on-going review and in particular would have regard for the increased roll-out of housing provision as outlined in Project Ireland 2040.

Schools Building Projects Status

Questions (380, 386)

Darragh O'Brien

Question:

380. Deputy Darragh O'Brien asked the Minister for Education and Skills the measures he is taking to resolve the chronic shortage of primary school places in Balbriggan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24952/18]

Darragh O'Brien

Question:

386. Deputy Darragh O'Brien asked the Minister for Education and Skills the measures he is taking to resolve the chronic shortage of secondary school places in Balbriggan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24958/18]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

I propose to take Questions Nos. 380 and 383 together.

In order to plan for school provision and analyse the relevant demographic data, my Department divides the country into 314 school planning areas. For school planning purposes Balbriggan is located in the Balbriggan school planning area.

As the Deputy will be aware, I announced plans for the establishment of 42 new schools over the next four years (2019 to 2022). This announcement follows nationwide demographic exercises carried out by my Department into the future need for primary and post-primary schools across the country and the 4-year horizon will enable increased lead-in times for planning and delivery of the necessary infrastructure.

In addition to the new schools announced, there will be a need for further school accommodation in other areas in the future. Based on the current analysis, this need can be addressed through either planned capacity increases in existing schools or additional accommodation or extensions to existing schools.

I have highlighted that the requirement for new schools will be kept under on-going review and in particular would have regard for the increased roll-out of housing provision as outlined in Project Ireland 2040.

In September 2014, Coláiste Ghlór na Mara, a new 700 pupil multi-denominational post-primary school under the patronage An Foras Pátrúnachta, was established to serve the Balbriggan school planning area. In addition, in September 2016, Bremore Educate Together Secondary School, a new 700 pupil multi-denominational post-primary school, was also established to serve this school planning area.

Schools Building Projects Status

Questions (381, 383, 388, 389)

Darragh O'Brien

Question:

381. Deputy Darragh O'Brien asked the Minister for Education and Skills the measures he is taking to resolve the chronic shortage of primary school places in Rush; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24953/18]

Darragh O'Brien

Question:

383. Deputy Darragh O'Brien asked the Minister for Education and Skills the measures he is taking to resolve the chronic shortage of primary school places in Lusk; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24955/18]

Darragh O'Brien

Question:

388. Deputy Darragh O'Brien asked the Minister for Education and Skills the measures he is taking to resolve the chronic shortage of secondary school places in Rush; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24960/18]

Darragh O'Brien

Question:

389. Deputy Darragh O'Brien asked the Minister for Education and Skills the measures he is taking to resolve the chronic shortage of secondary school places in Lusk; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24961/18]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

I propose to take Questions Nos. 381, 383, 388 and 389 together.

In order to plan for school provision and analyse the relevant demographic data, my Department divides the country into 314 school planning areas. For school planning purposes Rush and Lusk are both located in the Rush and Lusk school planning area.

As the Deputy will be aware, I announced plans for the establishment of 42 new schools over the next four years (2019 to 2022). This announcement follows nationwide demographic exercises carried out by my Department into the future need for primary and post-primary schools across the country and the 4-year horizon will enable increased lead-in times for planning and delivery of the necessary infrastructure.

In addition to the new schools announced, there will be a need for further school accommodation in other areas in the future. Based on the current analysis, this need can be addressed through either planned capacity increases in existing schools or additional accommodation or extensions to existing schools.

I have highlighted that the requirement for new schools will be kept under on-going review and in particular would have regard for the increased roll-out of housing provision as outlined in Project Ireland 2040.

As the Deputy may be aware, in September 2013, Lusk Community College, a new 1,000 pupil multi-denominational post-primary school under the patronage of Dublin and Dún Laoghaire Education and Training Board, was established to serve this school planning area.