Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 19 February 2004
21 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Education and Science the main features of his announcement of 5 January 2004 of a major overhaul of the schools building programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5248/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraAt the outset, I would like to clarify that my announcement of 5 January 2004 referred to the manner in which key decisions are taken concerning school provision generally rather than an overhaul of the school building programme. However, the experience of publishing an annual school building programme has reinforced my very strongly held convictions that all key decisions relating to educational infrastructure should be made in an open and transparent manner. For these reasons, I am introducing a new model for planning school provision.
The main feature of the new model, which I am introducing initially on a pilot basis, is the publication of area development plans. This process will begin with the publication of a draft plan, which the school planning section of my Department will draw up. The draft plan will detail existing primary and postprimary provision in an area. Cognisant of the demographics of an area, it will assess and comment on the ability of existing provision in the area to meet the challenges of a changing educational landscape for a minimum period of ten years.
Following publication of the draft development plan, the commission on school accommodation will conduct a public engagement process in which all interested parties can make submissions. All of these submissions will be published. The process will culminate ultimately in the publication of a development plan for an area. This plan will be a public document and will be the basis against which all capital funding decisions for the area will be made.
The new model will be piloted in five areas initially during the current year. As I have already said, the principle underpinning the approach is the need for openness and transparency. All interested parties should have a say in how schools are configured and where they are located. This approach permits the public at large to engage fully in the school planning process.
