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School Enrolments

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 13 January 2021

Wednesday, 13 January 2021

Questions (520)

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

520. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Education if additional places will be provided at a school (details supplied) in view of the demand for first year places for the 2021-22 academic year, as was evident in the recent oversubscription issues that have come to light; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1662/21]

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Written answers

I wish to advise the Deputy that my Department is aware of increasing pressures and demand for additional post-primary school places in the school planning areas and school referred to by the Deputy.

Where capacity issues arise it may not be as a result of lack of accommodation but may be driven by the following factors:

- Duplication of applications – pupils have applied for a place to a number of schools in the area

- School of choice – pupils can’t get a place in their preferred school while there are places in other schools in the town/area

- Some towns/areas have single sex schools and while places are available in the school there are not available to all pupils

- External draw – pupils coming from outside the local area

Until these issues are discussed with the relevant school authorities the true extent of any capacity issue will only become known.

Similar to the process adopted in advance of the current academic year, my Department is engaging with patron bodies, including patrons in the area highlighted, to identify particular capacity requirements for the forthcoming year(s) which may necessitate action including, where required, the provision of modular accommodation solutions.

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