Vol. 518 No. 3
321 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will urgently address the crisis in second level school places in the Castleknock, Dublin 15 area, particularly in the context of the refusal of admission by Castleknock community college to some 80 children from the catchment areas seeking places in 2001 who were unsuccessful in the lottery for school places; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11732/00]
The difficulties arising in the Dublin 15 area at present due to the lack of places in certain post-primary schools are being addressed as a matter of urgency by my Department.
The position is quite complex because, while some schools in the area are full to capacity, others are in a position to offer places. My Department is in ongoing communication with all of the schools concerned to determine how the anticipated difficulty in September 2001 can be averted and to secure agreement on a co-operative enrolment process in the area.
The level of housing development in Dublin 15 is such that further educational provision at first and second level will be required. Again, my Department is addressing this issue as a matter of priority in consultation with Fingal County Council.
