Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 February 2024
343. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education the extent to which emergency measures are being taken to ensure the availability of an adequate number of school places at primary and second level in September 2024; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6631/24]
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 a number of School Planning Areas.
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, 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.
