Vol. 528 No. 2
243 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Education and Science if he has satisfied himself with the level of input and consultation his Department has into the drafting of local authority development plans; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29976/00]
The Minister for Education and Science is included among the prescribed authorities to whom local authorities are statutorily obliged to send draft development plans or proposed variations to development plans.
In addition, standing arrangements are in place for officials of my Department's planning and building unit to meet on a regular basis with officials of the Dublin local authorities to discuss development proposals and consequent site requirements for new schools. My Department is also in regular contact, as necessary, with other local authorities with regard to development proposals and their implications for school provision.
I am satisfied that this combination of statutory and non-statutory consultation provides a satisfactory level of input to the drafting of development plans. Through this input, I can be assured that such plans take full account of any need for new or additional school provision in the areas concerned.
