Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 July 2014
84. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Education and Skills his views on whether the number of additional accommodation approvals and the number of projects to go to construction under the five-year plan are adequate for County Kildare in view of its sustained high population growth rate and the fact that its pupil-teacher ratio is among the highest in the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29371/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to advise the Deputy that County Kildare has been identified as an area of significant demographic growth. My Department's 5 Year Plan prioritises major school projects to meet this demand. During the period 2012 -2016, eleven new schools are being provided across the County together with 14 major extension projects. My Department will also consider applications from individual schools for devolved funding to meet an immediate accommodation requirement because of increased enrolments or where an additional teacher has been appointed. My Department will continue to analyse demographic trends and to monitor enrolments in all areas to determine the level of additional school provision which may be required into the future and to ensure that this is provided in a timely manner. Any further increased provision required for Kildare will be considered in this context. I also wish to advise the Deputy that there are a thousand more teachers employed in schools around the country this school year, than there was the year before. Despite the difficult financial circumstances, we prioritised education so that the number of teachers we have in the system has also grown in order to protect pupil teacher ratios.
