Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 February 2017
301. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills if, together with the patron of a school (details supplied), he is in a position to accede to requests of the parents and management board of the school by way of approval of a third stream for the school, having particular regard to the demographic changes in the area and the need to plan accordingly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9890/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to advise the Deputy that officials from my Department met with representatives of the school referred to and it was agreed that a further meeting would be convened when the pupil data assessment process discussed at the meeting was completed.
This process was aimed at allowing adequate time for updated demographic data, taking into account overall current and projected pupil numbers in the area, and the enrolment position in the case of the school in question and other schools in the area; the various factors that contribute to the compilation and operation of any waiting lists; and the impact of expansion of school capacity in the case of this school on other schools in the area to be clarified and assessed. As part of this process, further information was supplied by the school to the Department. The information is currently being considered and officials from my Department have arranged to meet with the school patron this week on the matter.
