Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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336. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the extent to which ongoing dialogue continues between her Department, the KWETB and the relevant school authorities in Maynooth, County Kildare at pre-primary, primary- and post-primary levels with a view to ensuring that sufficient places are being made available to meet the demand of the current and subsequent years without interruption either in respect of continued building where required, the planning of any new schools, or the acceleration of ongoing work in all schools, including gaelcholáiste; if satisfactory results can be achieved before the new school year next year; if she is satisfied that work in progress or steps yet to be taken can proceed without interruption; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6624/24]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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I can assure the Deputy that the provision of school places to meet the needs of children and young people at primary and post primary level, including children and young people with special educational needs is an absolute priority for the Department.

As the Deputy may be aware, in order to plan for school place needs, my Department divides the country into 314 school planning areas and utilises a Geographical Information System to anticipate school place demand. Information from a range of sources, including Child Benefit data, school enrolment data and information on residential development activity is used for this purpose. Additionally, Project Ireland 2040 population and housing targets inform my Department's projections of school place requirements.

My Department is aware of pressures for school places for the 2024/25 school year in Maynooth.

As part of planning for September 2024, data on applications for admission has been received by the department from post-primary schools across areas of enrolment pressure, and updated data on offers and acceptances continue to be received as admissions processes transact.

The sharing of this data has been very effective in the identification of school place requirements across the areas. In the majority of areas across Kildare, through the work of schools, patrons, management bodies and the Department, there are sufficient school places available to meet the needs of children in the area. My Department is working with schools and patrons to make additional places available in a small number of areas where a need has been identified.

While some applicants may not yet have received an offer of a school place for 2024/25, families can be assured that all children who require a school place will be provided with one. My Department is continuing to work with schools and patrons to ensure that there are sufficient school places available, and to put any required solutions in place.

The Deputy may be aware that the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth (DCEDIY) is responsible for early years education outside the formal education system, including pre-school provision through the free Early Childhood Care and Education Scheme (ECCE).

There will be greater clarity for families over the coming weeks as admissions processes continue to work through and required additional places come on stream.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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337. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the extent to which ongoing dialogue continues between her Department, the KWETB and the relevant school authorities in Kilcock, County Kildare at pre-primary, primary- and post-primary levels with a view to ensuring that sufficient places are being made available to meet the demand of the current and subsequent years without interruption either in respect of continued building where required, the planning of any new schools, or the acceleration of ongoing work in all schools; if satisfactory results can be achieved before the new school year; if she is satisfied that work in progress or steps yet to be taken can proceed without interruption; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6625/24]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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I can assure the Deputy that the provision of school places to meet the needs of children and young people at primary and post primary level, including children and young people with special educational needs is an absolute priority for the Department.

As the Deputy may be aware, in order to plan for school place needs, my Department divides the country into 314 school planning areas and utilises a Geographical Information System to anticipate school place demand. Information from a range of sources, including Child Benefit data, school enrolment data and information on residential development activity is used for this purpose. Additionally, Project Ireland 2040 population and housing targets inform my Department's projections of school place requirements.

My Department is aware of pressures for school places for the 2024/25 school year in Kilcock.

As part of planning for September 2024, data on applications for admission has been received by the department from post-primary schools across areas of enrolment pressure, and updated data on offers and acceptances continue to be received as admissions processes transact.

The sharing of this data has been very effective in the identification of school place requirements across the areas. In the majority of areas across Kildare, through the work of schools, patrons, management bodies and the Department, there are sufficient school places available to meet the needs of children in the area. My Department is working with schools and patrons to make additional places available in a small number of areas where a need has been identified.

While some applicants may not yet have received an offer of a school place for 2024/25, families can be assured that all children who require a school place will be provided with one. My Department is continuing to work with schools and patrons to ensure that there are sufficient school places available, and to put any required solutions in place.

The Deputy may be aware that the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth (DCEDIY) is responsible for early years education outside the formal education system, including pre-school provision through the free Early Childhood Care and Education Scheme (ECCE).

There will be greater clarity for families over the coming weeks as admissions processes continue to work through and required additional places come on stream.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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338. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the extent to which ongoing dialogue continues between her Department, the KWETB and the relevant school authorities in Clane, County Kildare at pre-primary, primary- and post-primary levels with a view to ensuring that sufficient places are being made available to meet the demand of the current and subsequent years without interruption either in respect of continued building where required, the planning of any new schools, or the acceleration of ongoing work in all schools; if satisfactory results can be achieved before the new school year; if she is satisfied that work in progress or steps yet to be taken can proceed without interruption with particular to the children whose parents previously attend the local schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6626/24]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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I can assure the Deputy that the provision of school places to meet the needs of children and young people at primary and post primary level, including children and young people with special educational needs is an absolute priority for the Department.

As the Deputy may be aware, in order to plan for school place needs, my Department divides the country into 314 school planning areas and utilises a Geographical Information System to anticipate school place demand. Information from a range of sources, including Child Benefit data, school enrolment data and information on residential development activity is used for this purpose. Additionally, Project Ireland 2040 population and housing targets inform my Department's projections of school place requirements.

My Department is aware of pressures for school places for the 2024/25 school year in Prosperous_Clane.

As part of planning for September 2024, data on applications for admission has been received by the department from post-primary schools across these areas of enrolment pressure, and updated data on offers and acceptances continues to be received as admissions processes transact.

The sharing of this data has been very effective in the identification of school place requirements across the areas. In the majority of areas across Kildare, through the work of schools, patrons, management bodies and the Department, there are sufficient school places available to meet the needs of children in the area. My Department is working with schools and patrons to make additional places available in a small number of areas where a need has been identified.

While some applicants may not yet have received an offer of a school place for 2024/25, families can be assured that all children who require a school place will be provided with one. My Department is continuing to work with schools and patrons to ensure that there are sufficient school places available, and to put any required solutions in place.

The Deputy may be aware that the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth (DCEDIY) is responsible for early years education outside the formal education system, including pre-school provision through the free Early Childhood Care and Education Scheme (ECCE).

There will be greater clarity for families over the coming weeks as admissions processes continue to work through and required additional places come on stream.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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339. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the extent to which ongoing dialogue continues between her Department, the KWETB and the relevant school authorities in Naas, County Kildare at pre-primary, primary- and post-primary levels with a view to ensuring that sufficient places are being made available to meet the demand of the current and subsequent years without interruption either in respect of continued building where required, the planning of any new schools, or the acceleration of ongoing work in all schools; if satisfactory results can be achieved before the new school year; if she is satisfied that work in progress or steps yet to be taken can proceed without interruption; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6627/24]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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I can assure the Deputy that the provision of school places to meet the needs of children and young people at primary and post primary level, including children and young people with special educational needs is an absolute priority for the Department.

As the Deputy may be aware, in order to plan for school place needs, my Department divides the country into 314 school planning areas and utilises a Geographical Information System to anticipate school place demand. Information from a range of sources, including Child Benefit data, school enrolment data and information on residential development activity is used for this purpose. Additionally, Project Ireland 2040 population and housing targets inform my Department's projections of school place requirements.

My Department is aware of pressures for school places for the 2024/25 school year in Naas.

As part of planning for September 2024, data on applications for admission has been received by the department from post-primary schools across areas of enrolment pressure, and updated data on offers and acceptances continues to be received as admissions processes transact.

The sharing of this data has been very effective in the identification of school place requirements across the areas. In the majority of areas across Kildare, through the work of schools, patrons, management bodies and the Department, there are sufficient school places available to meet the needs of children in the area. My Department is working with schools and patrons to make additional places available in a small number of areas where a need has been identified.

While some applicants may not yet have received an offer of a school place for 2024/25, families can be assured that all children who require a school place will be provided with one. My Department is continuing to work with schools and patrons to ensure that there are sufficient school places available, and to put any required solutions in place.

The Deputy may be aware that the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth (DCEDIY) is responsible for early years education outside the formal education system, including pre-school provision through the free Early Childhood Care and Education Scheme (ECCE).

There will be greater clarity for families over the coming weeks as admissions processes continue to work through and required additional places come on stream.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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340. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the extent to which ongoing dialogue continues between her Department, the KWETB and the relevant school authorities in Prosperous, County Kildare at pre-primary, primary- and post-primary levels with a view to ensuring that sufficient places are being made available to meet the demand of the current and subsequent years without interruption either in respect of continued building where required, the planning of any new schools, or the acceleration of ongoing work in all schools; if satisfactory results can be achieved before the new school year; if she is satisfied that work in progress or steps yet to be taken can proceed without interruption; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6628/24]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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I can assure the Deputy that the provision of school places to meet the needs of children and young people at primary and post primary level, including children and young people with special educational needs is an absolute priority for the Department.

As the Deputy may be aware, in order to plan for school place needs, my Department divides the country into 314 school planning areas and utilises a Geographical Information System to anticipate school place demand. Information from a range of sources, including Child Benefit data, school enrolment data and information on residential development activity is used for this purpose. Additionally, Project Ireland 2040 population and housing targets inform my Department's projections of school place requirements.

My Department is aware of pressures for school places for the 2024/25 school year in Prosperous_Clane.

As part of planning for September 2024, data on applications for admission has been received by the department from post-primary schools across these areas of enrolment pressure, and updated data on offers and acceptances continues to be received as admissions processes transact.

The sharing of this data has been very effective in the identification of school place requirements across the areas. In the majority of areas across Kildare, through the work of schools, patrons, management bodies and the Department, there are sufficient school places available to meet the needs of children in the area. My Department is working with schools and patrons to make additional places available in a small number of areas where a need has been identified.

While some applicants may not yet have received an offer of a school place for 2024/25, families can be assured that all children who require a school place will be provided with one. My Department is continuing to work with schools and patrons to ensure that there are sufficient school places available, and to put any required solutions in place.

The Deputy may be aware that the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth (DCEDIY) is responsible for early years education outside the formal education system, including pre-school provision through the free Early Childhood Care and Education Scheme (ECCE).

There will be greater clarity for families over the coming weeks as admissions processes continue to work through and required additional places come on stream.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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341. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the extent to which ongoing dialogue continues between her Department, the KWETB and the relevant school authorities in Prosperous, County Kildare at pre-primary, primary- and post-primary levels with a view to ensuring that sufficient places are being made available to meet the demand of the current and subsequent years without interruption either in respect of continued building where required, the planning of any new schools, or the acceleration of ongoing work in all schools; if satisfactory results can be achieved before the new school year; if she is satisfied that work in progress or steps yet to be taken can proceed without interruption; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6629/24]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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I can assure the Deputy that the provision of school places to meet the needs of children and young people at primary and post primary level, including children and young people with special educational needs is an absolute priority for the Department.

My Department is aware of pressures for school places for the 2024/25 school year in Prosperous_Clane.

As part of planning for September 2024, data on applications for admission has been received by the department from post-primary schools across these areas of enrolment pressure, and updated data on offers and acceptances continues to be received as admissions processes transact.

The sharing of this data has been very effective in the identification of school place requirements across the areas. In the majority of areas across Kildare, through the work of schools, patrons, management bodies and the Department, there are sufficient school places available to meet the needs of children in the area. My Department is working with schools and patrons to make additional places available in a small number of areas where a need has been identified.

While some applicants may not yet have received an offer of a school place for 2024/25, families can be assured that all children who require a school place will be provided with one. My Department is continuing to work with schools and patrons to ensure that there are sufficient school places available, and to put any required solutions in place.

There will be greater clarity for families over the coming weeks as admissions processes continue to work through and required additional places come on stream.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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342. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the extent to which ongoing dialogue continues between her Department, the KWETB and the relevant school authorities in Leixlip, County Kildare at pre-primary, primary- and post-primary levels with a view to ensuring that sufficient places are being made available to meet the demand of the current and subsequent years without interruption either in respect of continued building where required, the planning of any new schools, or the acceleration of ongoing work in all schools; if satisfactory results can be achieved before the new school year; if she is satisfied that work in progress or steps yet to be taken can proceed without interruption; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6630/24]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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I can assure the Deputy that the provision of school places to meet the needs of children and young people at primary and post primary level, including children and young people with special educational needs is an absolute priority for the Department.

As the Deputy may be aware, in order to plan for school place needs, my Department divides the country into 314 school planning areas and utilises a Geographical Information System to anticipate school place demand. Information from a range of sources, including Child Benefit data, school enrolment data and information on residential development activity is used for this purpose. Additionally, Project Ireland 2040 population and housing targets inform my Department's projections of school place requirements.

My Department is aware of pressures for school places for the 2024/25 school year in Leixlip.

As part of planning for September 2024, data on applications for admission has been received by the department from post-primary schools across areas of enrolment pressure, and updated data on offers and acceptances continues to be received as admissions processes transact.

The sharing of this data has been very effective in the identification of school place requirements across the areas. In the majority of areas across Kildare, through the work of schools, patrons, management bodies and the Department, there are sufficient school places available to meet the needs of children in the area. My Department is working with schools and patrons to make additional places available in a small number of areas where a need has been identified.

While some applicants may not yet have received an offer of a school place for 2024/25, families can be assured that all children who require a school place will be provided with one. My Department is continuing to work with schools and patrons to ensure that there are sufficient school places available, and to put any required solutions in place.

The Deputy may be aware that the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth (DCEDIY) is responsible for early years education outside the formal education system, including pre-school provision through the free Early Childhood Care and Education Scheme (ECCE).

There will be greater clarity for families over the coming weeks as admissions processes continue to work through and required additional places come on stream.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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343. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the extent to which emergency measures are being taken to ensure the availability of an adequate number of school places at primary and second level in September 2024; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6631/24]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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I can assure the Deputy that the provision of school places to meet the needs of children and young people at primary and post primary level, including children and young people with special educational needs is an absolute priority for the Department.

My Department is aware of pressures for school places for the 2024/25 school year in a number of School Planning Areas.

As part of planning for September 2024, data on applications for admission has been received by the department from post-primary schools across these areas of enrolment pressure, and updated data on offers and acceptances continues to be received as admissions processes transact.

The sharing of this data has been very effective in the identification of school place requirements across the areas. In the majority of areas, through the work of schools, patrons, management bodies and the Department, there are sufficient school places available to meet the needs of children in the area. The Department is working with schools and patrons to make additional places available in a small number of areas where a need has been identified.

While some applicants may not yet have received an offer of a school place for 2024/25, families can be assured that all children who require a school place will be provided with one. The Department is continuing to work with schools and patrons to ensure that there are sufficient school places available, and to put any required solutions in place.

There will be greater clarity for families over the coming weeks as admissions processes continue to work through and required additional places come on stream.