School Patronage

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 June 2015

Tuesday, 30 June 2015

Ceisteanna (124)

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

124. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Education and Skills her views on the documents released to this Deputy under the Freedom of Information Act 2014 (details supplied) that show a sustained increase of indicators utilised by her Department to determine the new school need over the past number of years in north Kildare; her further view on the evidence of recent years that also points to a very big increase in numbers looking for places in a Gaelscoil, multi-denominational or non-religious patronage models of education; her view that a new strategy is required to anticipate these continuing trends in north Kildare; if she will commit to initiating this process; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25820/15]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education and Skills

Based on the demographic data for the north Kildare area, which has been provided to the Deputy, significant capital investment has been made in primary schools in that area to sufficiently address their accommodation needs for the foreseeable future. As always, the area will be kept under review.

The extent of the increase in our demographics on a nationwide basis is such that the main focus of my Department's capital investment programme will remain on ensuring that every child can have access to a physical school place. This may result in pupils not getting a school of first choice. However, in areas where new schools are needed, the arrangements in place for determining who will run those schools place a heavy emphasis on parental demand and diversity of provision. In light of the demographic pressures, I have no plans to change this approach.