Vol. 526 No. 1
276 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will provide details of the projected figures for secondary school provision in the Ballymun area, Dublin 11 for the next ten and 20 years; the level of provision which is proposed under the comprehensive schools amalgamation plans; the target retention rates to leaving certificate which he intends to achieve for this area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25929/00]
There is a current enrolment of under 800 pupils attending the three comprehensive schools in Ballymun. Amalgamation of the three schools has been agreed in principle and it is intended that the amalgamated school will be located in the junior school complex, which will be refurbished for that purpose. The junior school complex was originally built to cater for 1,600 pupils. It is envisaged that enrolment in the amalgamated school could grow to approximately 1,000 pupils.
Improving school attendance and preventing early school leaving are not simple matters to resolve. I do not want to understate the scale and complexity of the problem by setting absolute timescales for reaching particular levels of retention. There are strategies in place to encourage and support schools retaining pupils to completion of senior cycle. In this regard, Ballymun senior and junior comprehensive schools are among the schools receiving funding under the stay in school retention initiative at second level.
Overall, I am satisfied that sufficient provision has been made to cater for all post-primary needs in the Ballymun area for the foreseeable future. As part of the assessment of post-primary school accommodation needs in the area, officials from my Department met with representatives of Ballymun Regeneration Limited who were of the view that their development proposals would not have significant implications for existing school provision in the area.
277 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Education and Science the total number of primary and second-level schools here; and the number that have sports halls that meet the required standards. [25930/00]
The number of national schools in 1999-00 school-year – position at 30 September 1999 – was 3,172 ordinary and 121 special schools. The total number of post-primary was 752.
General purposes rooms are provided as part of the schedule of accommodation for all new primary schools and for existing primary schools where an extension is being planned and the school does not already have the facility. My Department does not have information on the number of primary schools which do not have a general purposes room.
