Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy. As I referenced earlier, we have a clear understanding of where we have capacity within our schools. It was for that reason I said in reply to Deputy Ó Ríordáin that we are working closely with the Department of Children, Equality Disability, Integration and Youth. It would be very helpful if we could match accommodation with our capacity.

It is very hard at this point to be clear on the enrolments that might be required throughout the summer. We know that families are continuing to come. Enrolments will continue over the summer and REALT will be operating. We have roughly 20,000 places at primary school level and approximately 25,000 places at post-primary level. We are currently finalising a survey of primary schools but our geographic information system and data tell us we have in and around 25,000 places. We may well have in excess of that. We are confident we can meet the challenges, notwithstanding these are challenges faced every day by schools on the ground.

I also acknowledge that schools on the ground have always been accommodating of students coming from other places and other countries. The difficulty and greater challenge this time is that it is in such significant numbers and at such high volume. I again acknowledge the schools are generously meeting that challenge on the ground.