Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 26 July 2017
301. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Education and Skills the way in which the only national school with places available on 17 July 2017 in Toberburr, a rural school 8 km away, represents a viable offer for families with children already in a school (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35643/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department’s main responsibility is to ensure that the existing schools in an area can, between them, cater for the demand in that area. I wish to assure the Deputy that my Department is continuing to monitor the enrolment position in the Swords area closely and is in ongoing contact with the Patrons of the relevant schools.
As the Deputy will be aware, there are 13 primary schools serving the Swords area. I wish to confirm that my Department has been advised by two of these primary schools, Scoil Choilmcille Boys' National School and St Cronan's Junior National School, that they have junior infant places currently available. These schools have also expressed a willingness to offer further junior infant places for September 2017, if necessary. I understand that these schools are less than 3 kilometres from the school referred to in the details supplied.
My Department is aware of the school referred to by the Deputy and, having regard to its location within the school planning area, it is not one of the two schools identified, referred to above, to meet any additional junior infant demand, if required, for the next school year.
