Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 February 2024
317. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Education if, as per RTÉ interview, she is now guaranteeing a first year school place for each child who requires one in north Kildare in the school year 2024; if she can further guarantee a school-place in second year for the children currently without a school-place in first year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6479/24]
View answerI can assure the Deputy that the provision of school places to meet the needs of children and young people at primary and post primary level, including children and young people with special educational needs is an absolute priority for the Department.
My Department is aware of pressures for school places for the 2024/25 school year in North Kildare School Planning Areas of Maynooth, Newbridge, Naas, Celbridge, Kilcock, Curragh, Kildare and Prosperous_Clane.
As part of planning for September 2024, data on applications for admission has been received by the department from post-primary schools across these areas of enrolment pressure, and updated data on offers and acceptances continues to be received as admissions processes transact.
The sharing of this data has been very effective in the identification of school place requirements across the areas. In the majority of areas across Kildare, through the work of schools, patrons, management bodies and the Department, there are sufficient school places available to meet the needs of children in the area. The Department is working with schools and patrons to make additional places available in a small number of areas where a need has been identified.
While some applicants may not yet have received an offer of a school place for 2024/25, families can be assured that all children who require a school place will be provided with one. The Department is continuing to work with schools and patrons to ensure that there are sufficient school places available, and to put any required solutions in place.
There will be greater clarity for families over the coming weeks as admissions processes continue to work through and required additional places come on stream.
