Niamh Smyth
Ceist:161. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the status of negotiations to provide a Garda station (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5428/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraGarda Stations
Ceisteanna (161)
Freagraí scríofa
The Office of Public Works (OPW) and the Chief State Solicitor’s Office (CSSO) are dealing with the acquisition of the preferred site for this project as a top priority. ‘Contracts for Sale’ have been executed by both parties and every effort is being made both by the OPW and CSSO to achieve final completion of the legal formalities.
Flood Relief Schemes Funding
Ceisteanna (162)
Dara Calleary
Ceist:162. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if flood alleviation funding will be made available for flood prevention works in Ballybay, County Monaghan; when he expects work to commence; if planning has been commenced, completed or approved for the works; when he expects works to be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5438/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The core strategy for addressing areas at potentially significant risk from flooding is the Office of Public Works (OPW) Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management (CFRAM) Programme. The Programme, which is being undertaken by engineering consultants on behalf of the OPW working in partnership with the local authorities, involves the production of predictive flood mapping for each location, the development of preliminary flood risk management options and the production of Flood Risk Management Plans.
The CFRAM Programme focussed on 300 Areas for Further Assessment (AFAs) including 90 coastal areas, mainly in urban locations nationwide, identified as being at potentially significant risk of flooding. The proposed feasible measures, both structural and non-structural, identified for AFAs are outlined in the Flood Risk Management Plans.
Ballybay is as an AFA and is being assessed by the North Western – Neagh Bann CFRAM Programme. The proposed measure outlined in the flood risk management plan for Ballybay consists of a series of flood embankments and walls. These hard defences will extend for a total length of 2.5km with an average height of 1.6 m.
The Draft Flood Risk Management Plans were published for public consultation in 2016 and a significant volume of submissions were received for consideration. In Summer 2017, the OPW finalised all Plans and each Plan was submitted to the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform for an independent review of the environmental assessments. This independent review is nearing completion, after which the Final Plans will be formally submitted to the Minister for Finance and Public Expenditure and Reform for approval, in accordance with the statutory requirements.
I would hope in the coming weeks to seek the approval from the Minister for Finance and Public Expenditure and Reform for the Flood Risk Management Plans developed under the CFRAM process.
Flood Relief Schemes Status
Ceisteanna (163, 164, 165)
Gerry Adams
Ceist:163. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 253 of 16 January 2018, the status of the independent review under way; if the review has been completed; and when he will approve the flood risk management plans. [5467/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraGerry Adams
Ceist:164. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 253 of 16 January 2018, if the OPW or Louth County Council will be carrying out the additional flood defence works; the level of funding allocated to these specific areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5468/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraGerry Adams
Ceist:165. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 253 of 16 January 2018, if Louth County Council has been updated and contacted regarding the plan for the areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5469/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Further to my reply to parliamentary question number 253 of 16 January 2018, the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform expects to shortly finalise its independent review of the environmental assessments of the Flood Risk Management Plans, in accordance with the statutory requirements.
Finalising the Flood Risk Management Plans will address the observations received so that approval for the Plans can be sought from the Minister for Finance and Public Expenditure and Reform.
Project level assessment and detailed design for the Dundalk and Blackrock South Scheme proposed in the Flood Risk Management Plans will be led by the Office of Public Works (OPW) with delivery progressed in partnership with Louth County Council. These next stages involve further detailed engineering and environmental assessment, design, public consultation and review of costs and benefits. A feasible scheme following this further analysis will be constructed in line with normal planning requirements.
The Plans are one of the outputs from the Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management Programme that is being delivered by the OPW in partnership with all local authorities, including Louth County Council. Louth County Council is represented on both the Project Steering Group and Progress Group of the North Western–Neagh Bann (NWNB) Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management (CFRAM) Programme.
Public Procurement Contracts
Ceisteanna (166)
Mick Barry
Ceist:166. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the number of public contracts a company (details supplied) holds here; and if, following the recent experience with the collapse of another company (details supplied) precautionary measures can be taken to safeguard public projects and jobs. [5737/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Office of Government Procurement (OGP) has established six framework agreements that include the company named by the Deputy as a member. To date, seven contracts have been awarded to this named company following direct invitation to tender to the members of these frameworks.
An analysis of contract award notices, both at national and European level, published on the Office of Government Procurement’s national electronic tendering platform, eTenders, shows that there are a further six contract award notices published by other public sector bodies where this company is the awarded contractor. However, companies may trade through a subsidiary or as part of a consortium. The management of the tendering process and the administration of the contract once awarded is a matter for each contracting authority. Public contract details, therefore, are held by the individual contracting authority concerned.
In relation to precautionary measures that can be taken to safeguard public projects, I would point out that the assessment of a tenderer's financial and economic standing is a key part of any procurement process because the contracting authority must be satisfied that a contractor will have the necessary capacity to carry out the contract. This assessment typically includes examination of bank statements, audited accounts and statements of turnover over previous years. Public contracts should be actively and effectively managed and monitored by contracting authorities. The safeguarding of public services and achieving value for money are key considerations in this regard.
Flood Prevention Measures
Ceisteanna (167)
Joe Carey
Ceist:167. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the position in relation to a flood alleviation project (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5779/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Clare County Council (CCC) has requested approval to advance a detailed project-level assessment and design to address flooding in the Springfield, Clonlara, County Clare. The OPW has approved funding for the appointment of consultants by CCC.
The Council has engaged consultants to complete the detailed design to determine if a viable flood defence scheme can be implemented to defend the properties in this area. This work is ongoing.
Departmental Staff Data
Ceisteanna (168)
Clare Daly
Ceist:168. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the number of secondees from companies (details supplied)who are working in his Department. [5839/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I wish to confirm to the Deputy that that there are no employees from the companies referred to, on secondment in my Department.
Departmental Properties
Ceisteanna (169)
Michael McGrath
Ceist:169. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the number of properties (details supplied) that remain in public ownership; if there are plans for their sale on the open market; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5941/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
There are nine former coastguard cottages in Crosshaven, Co. Cork in State ownership, seven of which have been identified as surplus to requirement and suitable for disposal.
The Office of Public Works is currently exploring alternative State use for the seven vacant properties.
Education Policy
Ceisteanna (170)
Tom Neville
Ceist:170. Deputy Tom Neville asked the Minister for Education and Skills whether funding is available for persons in direct provision who wish to take part in courses in Killarney, County Kerry. [5408/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Pilot Support Scheme was introduced by my Department in 2015 for students who are in the Protection System or at the Leave to Remain (but not deportation order) stage. This was one of the recommendations contained in the report by the Working Group on the Protection Process which was chaired by former High Court judge Dr Bryan McMahon.
The scheme provides supports to qualifying students which are similar to those available in the statutory based Student Grant Scheme.
Following a review of the Pilot Support Scheme 2017, I announced my decision to continue the scheme for the 2017/18 academic year and to undertake a further review in 2018.
To qualify for the pilot scheme, prospective students have to meet a number of criteria, including a requirement to:
- Meet the definition of a protection applicant or a person at leave to remain stage (other than those at the deportation order stage);
- Obtained their Leaving Certificate;
- Have been accepted on an approved Post Leaving Certificate course or an approved undergraduate course;
- Have attended a minimum of five academic years in the Irish school system and have been part of an application for protection or leave to remain for a combined period of 5 years prior to 31 August of the first year of their course.
Also, the 1916 Bursaries Fund is available for socio economically disadvantaged students from under-represented groups in higher education, including ethnic minorities. Information is available from the Access offices in the Higher Education Institutes.
Public Procurement Contracts
Ceisteanna (171)
Pearse Doherty
Ceist:171. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Education and Skills if contracts for projects recently announced as part of the €200 million public private partnership (PPP) programme for higher education will follow the PPP procurement process as envisaged (details supplied); if each of the different phases of the projects will be contracted in accordance with traditional tendering and procurement procedures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5598/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Higher Education PPP programme is currently in the pre-procurement phase, with the focus on confirming the detailed Schedules of Accommodation for each project. This PPP programme was provided for in the Government’s Capital Plan for 2016-2021 and is expected to deliver some 8,000 student places across the Institute of Technology sector. The Higher Education PPP Programme is being appraised in accordance with the Public Spending Code.
A PPP is an alternative method of procuring public services and infrastructure by combining the best of the public and private sectors with an emphasis on value for money and delivering quality public services. It is one of a number of methods used by the Department in delivering capital infrastructure in the education sphere. The Higher Education PPP programme will be subject to a robust set of value for money tests in advance of and during the procurement phase. The National Development Finance Agency (NDFA) will also carry out comprehensive financial, technical and legal due diligence of the bidders for the PPP contracts.
It should be noted that given the range of investment priorities for the higher education sector, the Department intends to deliver these projects through PPP; it would not be feasible to deliver all projects in the same time frame using traditional procurement.
Education and Training Boards
Ceisteanna (172)
Tom Neville
Ceist:172. Deputy Tom Neville asked the Minister for Education and Skills his views on a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5816/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My Department's funding relationship with the Education and Training Board concerned regarding the organisation referred to by the Deputy is predicated on the basis that it is self-financing and that its financial activities are separate from the overall ETB finances. Accordingly, annual grants for same are contributory in nature.
Generally, only pensionable public servants who (a) are not members of the Single Public Service Pension Scheme (Single Scheme and Other Provisions) Act 2012, and (b) are appointed under section 19 of Education and Training Boards Act 2013 to be a member of staff of an education and training board, shall, on their appointment to the education and training board concerned, become and be a member of a relevant superannuation scheme (e.g. Education Sector Superannuation Scheme, SI 290 of 2015) in accordance with its terms and conditions. Access to a Public Sector Pension Scheme is determined by a number of factors, and it is a matter for each ETB to determine whether a person is eligible to become a member of the relevant superannuation scheme in accordance within the relevant rules and regulations.
Under Section 2 of the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest (FEMPI) Act, 2009, as amended, a person is liable to pay the pensions-related deduction if he or she is a public servant on or after the 1 March 2009 and is a member of a public service pension scheme, is entitled to a benefit under the scheme or receives a payment in lieu of membership of such a scheme.
Accordingly, an individual who is not entitled to a pension benefit from his/her employment such as the person to whom the Deputy refers, may be required to pay the pension related deduction (PRD) in certain other circumstances, including if he/she receives a payment in lieu of membership of a public service pension scheme. In that regard, for example, a non-pensionable gratuity is payable to certain staff of educational training boards whose service is not reckonable for superannuation purposes.
The PRD forms part of a wider set of financial emergency measures affecting public service pay and pensions which were directed at securing a stabilisation in the public finances. The FEMPI Act has been amended in respect of PRD to provide for a significant easing of the PRD burden on affected public servants by way of revised thresholds.
Schools Property
Ceisteanna (173)
Alan Farrell
Ceist:173. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Education and Skills if the former school at Rolestown, County Dublin is in the ownership of the State; and his plans in relation to the building. [5324/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The former school to which the Deputy refers is not in my ownership, therefore any plans are a matter for the registered owner.
Special Educational Needs
Ceisteanna (174)
Kathleen Funchion
Ceist:174. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reason a child with epilepsy is being denied a special needs assistant or SNA from September 2018. [5328/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The National Council for Special Education (NCSE), which is an independent statutory agency, is responsible, through its network of local Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENOs) for allocating a quantum of Special Needs Assistant (SNA) support for each school annually taking into account the assessed care needs of children qualifying for SNA support enrolled in the school.
The NCSE operates within my Department's criteria in allocating such support, which is set out in Circular 0030/2014.
In considering applications for SNA support for individual students, the SENOs take account of the students' needs and consider the resources available to the school to identify whether additionality is needed or whether the school might reasonably be expected to meet the needs of the students from its current level of resources.
Circular 0030/2014 clarifies that SNAs are not allocated to individual children but to schools as a school based resource and that SNA allocations to schools may change from year to year, for example where care needs have diminished as a child gets older or where a child may have left a school.
The Circular also clarifies that schools should put in place a plan to meet the care needs of the student, which should be encompassed in the school plan to meet the special educational needs of the student concerned.
Schools who wish to make applications for SNA support for the 2018/19 school year should apply to the NCSE. The deadline for receipt of SNA applications is 28 February 2018. Information relating to the SNA Application process is available at http://ncse.ie/guidelines-and-application-forms-for-schools-for-20182019.
The NCSE aim to publish details of the SNA allocations to schools for September 2018, on its website in May. 2018. No decision regarding SNA allocations to schools for September 2018 will be notified to schools before this.
It is important to note that children who require SNA support will continue to avail of such support.
The NCSE Appeals Process may be invoked in the following instances:
- by a parent or a school where it is considered that a child was not granted access to SNA support on the grounds that Department policy was not met in accordance with Circular 0030/2014; or
- or a school may also appeal a decision, where the school considers that the NCSE, in applying Department policy, has not allocated the appropriate level of SNA supports to the school to meet the special educational and/or care needs of the child(ren) concerned.
All schools have the contact details of their local SENO and parents may also contact their local SENO directly to discuss their child's special educational needs, using the contact details available at http://ncse.ie/seno-contact-list.
Early Childhood Care and Education
Ceisteanna (175)
Patrick O'Donovan
Ceist:175. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Education and Skills if tuition is available for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5330/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My Department's Home Tuition Grant Scheme provides funding towards a compensatory educational service for
(a) Early educational intervention for children with a diagnosis of autism who meet the scheme's eligibility criteria;
(b) Students with special educational needs seeking an educational placement in a recognised school; and
(c) Students, enrolled in schools, with a significant medical condition which has caused, and is likely to continue to cause, major disruption to their attendance at school.
Circular 0050/2017, which outlines the scheme's eligibility criteria, is available on my Department's website www.education.ie
I understand, from the information supplied by the Deputy, that the child referred to is under the age of 4 and therefore not eligible to enrol in school. The child does not have an ASD diagnosis. As such, the child will not meet the eligibility criteria under my Department's Home Tuition Grant Scheme.
The Deputy should be aware that the Department of Children and Youth Affairs provides supports for childcare, including pre-school education.
The principal vehicle for the delivery of pre-school education is the Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) programme which provides for early learning in a formal setting to children before they commence primary school.
Children with disabilities have access to pre-school services under the Access and Inclusion Model (AIM) programme of supports.
AIM is a child-centred model, involving seven levels of progressive support, moving from the universal to the targeted, depending on the needs of the child and the pre-school.
Details of the supports which are available under AIM can be found at www.preschoolaccess.ie which contains comprehensive information on the access and inclusion model and on how to apply for the new schemes and supports. For children attending a private pre-school through the ECCE programme, questions relating to the AIM supports should be addressed to the Department of Children and Youth Affairs.
State Examinations
Ceisteanna (176)
Thomas Byrne
Ceist:176. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Education and Skills the policy of the State Examinations Commission in rounding up percentage results, for example, if a student gets 29.83%; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5340/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The State Examinations Commission has statutory responsibility for operational matters relating to the certificate examinations. In view of this I have forwarded your query to the State Examinations Commission for direct reply to you.
State Examinations Commission
Ceisteanna (177)
Thomas Byrne
Ceist:177. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Education and Skills if a pass mark in the leaving certificate maths exam is expressed in percentage terms. [5341/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The State Examinations Commission has statutory responsibility for operational matters relating to the certificate examinations. In view of this I have forwarded your query to the State Examinations Commission for direct reply to you.
National Educational Psychological Service Staff
Ceisteanna (178)
James Browne
Ceist:178. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Education and Skills the schools in County Wexford that do not have a National Educational Psychological Service, NEPS, psychologist assigned to them in tabular form. [5352/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Deputy may be aware my Department’s National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) provides educational psychological support to all primary and post-primary schools. This involves direct support in the event of a critical incident, access to national and regional support and development work to build school capacity to support students, access to a NEPS psychologist for responses to queries arising, and access to individual pupil casework via a NEPS psychologist or through the Scheme for the Commissioning of Psychological Assessments. (SCPA).
I can inform the Deputy that all schools in Co. Wexford have an assigned NEPS psychologist in the current academic year. However two psychologists assigned to schools in Wexford have recently commenced maternity leave. While these staff are absent arrangements have been made through the NEPS Wexford office to provide the 28 school involved with the above described range of services including access to a named NEPS psychologist to respond to queries arising and to the SCPA scheme to answer their ongoing individual casework needs.
Education and Training Boards
Ceisteanna (179, 181)
Jan O'Sullivan
Ceist:179. Deputy Jan O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Skills if the head office of the Louth and Meath Education and Training Board or LMETB will be based in Drogheda, County Louth; the reason for the delay in the development of the head office facility in Drogheda; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5382/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraJan O'Sullivan
Ceist:181. Deputy Jan O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the amount spent since 2013 on the design team, planning process, tendering process and all surveys related to the construction of a new LMETB head office in Drogheda; the reason construction has not commenced on the new head office in view of the fact the board was cleared to commence construction over one year ago; if officials in the planning and building unit are actively supporting the move to commence construction; when construction will commence; the timeframe for completion; if the funds allocated to LMETB for the construction of this project will remain committed to the head office project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5384/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Deputy may be aware, the project to which she refers has been devolved for delivery to the local Education and Training Board (LMETB).
The project has been delayed mainly due to design issues. Having tendered for the project, the need for additional security features for the proposed building became apparent. These required a change in brief with the consequent design alterations. The project is currently at stage 2 B of the architectural planning process and a revised stage 2 B cost plan, to include the additional works, was recently submitted to my Department for consideration.
To date €244,841 has been spent on Design Team Fees, Planning fees, DAC fees and surveys for the project.
My Department is currently reviewing its programme for capital expenditure in 2018 and 2019. The progression of building projects, including the new HQ for LMETB, will be considered in that context.
Education and Training Boards Data
Ceisteanna (180)
Jan O'Sullivan
Ceist:180. Deputy Jan O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of head office staff from the Louth and Meath Education and Training Board or LMETB involved in finance, human resources, information and communications technology, corporate and education services that operate from locations in Drogheda; the titles, locations and functions of the LMETB head office staff based in Drogheda; the number of directors of services, principal officers or assistant principal officers who are based in offices in Drogheda; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5383/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Head office functions for Louth and Meath ETB currently operate from Dundalk and Navan. There are therefore no staff involved in the areas listed by the Deputy based in offices in Drogheda.
Question No. 181 answered with Question No. 179.
School Patronage
Ceisteanna (182, 223, 224, 225)
David Cullinane
Ceist:182. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Education and Skills if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the forward planning section of his Department has written to schools (details supplied) to inform them that for the 2018-19 school year they must adhere to a half stream intake of 13 junior infants; the reason for this decision; if this decision contravenes an earlier agreement between his Department and schools; if this restriction only applies to the schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5385/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra
Róisín Shortall
Ceist:223. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will address issues in relation to a school (details supplied). [6073/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraRóisín Shortall
Ceist:224. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number and names of Educate Together schools under the divestment scheme that have been requested to strictly adhere to a half-stream intake; and the evidence that has informed these decisions in each case. [6074/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraRóisín Shortall
Ceist:225. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number and names of all denominational schools that have been requested to adhere strictly to a half stream intake in the past 12 months. [6075/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Deputy may be aware the report of the Advisory Group to the Forum on Patronage and Pluralism in the Primary Sector recommended that demand for patronage diversity should be met in areas of stable population by divesting patronage of existing schools where there is evidence of parental demand for change.
In this context, in 2012/13, the Department of Education and Skills undertook surveys of parental preferences in 43 areas of stable population to establish the level of demand for a wider choice in the patronage of primary schools. Sufficient demand emerged in 28 areas, and consultations followed with the main Catholic patrons in each of these areas to discuss divesting options.
In the majority of the 28 areas surveyed, the level of parental demand for a wider choice indicated a long-term projected size of up to half a single stream school (comprising of 4 classrooms) being required to accommodate such a level of demand and this is clearly outlined in the Reports on the Surveys regarding Parental Preferences on Primary School Patronage published by the Department in December 2012 and April 2013. Based on the current pupil teacher ratio of 26:1, half a single stream equates to a junior infant intake of 13 pupils.
The schools under the patronage divesting process are opened in areas of relatively stable populations and accordingly there is little prospect that new schools will be established there over the next number of years for demographic reasons. Therefore, the only mechanism for alternative patrons to become involved in school provision in these areas was through the possible divestment of some existing school provision in the areas provided there was sufficient parental demand for wider choice of patronage.
A number of schools opened under this process, including Tramore ETNS, New Ross ETNS, Trim ETNS, Tuam ETNS and Castlebar ETNS were contacted by the Department in the context of their enrolment numbers reflecting their school accommodation capacity.
In the case of any school applying to expand its intake, the Department examines school size in order to preserve a balance among all schools in an area and to ensure that one school is not expanding at the expense of another. In addition, schools which are located in temporary accommodation may need to restrict their intake in line with the temporary accommodation available. While the situation may result in some pupils not obtaining a place in the school of their first choice, the Department’s main responsibility is to ensure that the existing schools in the area can, between them, cater for the demand in that area. The Department’s principal priority in the allocation of scarce capital funding has to be in providing sufficient school places in areas of demographic growth.
Should a school’s patron wish to make a case for an increase in the school’s intake level, a proposal can be submitted to the Department where it will be reviewed in conjunction with the current demographic data, available accommodation and capacity levels of all schools in the relevant area. A case has been submitted to the Department in respect of a number of divested schools and this is currently under consideration.
My Department is currently carrying out nationwide demographic exercises at primary and post-primary level to identify areas of demographic growth and determine where additional school accommodation is needed in order to plan for school provision. It is anticipated that these exercises will be completed in the coming weeks. In this context, the outcome of these nationwide demographic exercises will input into consideration of the case submitted in relation to the schools opened under the patronage divesting process.