Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 September 2012
394. Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of primary schools that are bi-located; if he will identify all such schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37909/12]
Amharc ar fhreagra395. Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for Education and Skills the policy that operates in respect of bi-located primary schools and their accommodation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37910/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 394 and 395 together.
My Department has developed an online inventory facility to enable schools to provide information about their accommodation, including information on their school site. To date 2,363 primary schools have completed the online Inventory on School Accommodation. Of this 2,363 schools, 70 schools have indicated that they are located on more than one site. My officials will forward this list of schools to the Deputy. In regard to policy that operates in respect of bi-located primary schools and their accommodation, my Department agrees to proposals submitted by schools to bi-locate to meet their accommodation needs, where there is no capacity in their existing premises/site to accommodate increased enrolments which require an additional teacher/classroom. In the case of schools proposing to amalgamate where none of the available school properties can accommodate the total amalgamated enrolment, the school authorities can propose a bi-location solution to facilitate the amalgamation and this will be considered by the Department.
