Mr. Hubert Loftus:

Okay. We will check that out.

On the issues the Deputy raised regarding Dublin 8, we have nothing against Dublin 8, to be clear. As for requirements for a new school, we look at them as best we can regarding where the need is to maximise the existing capacity. Where there is a gap, we look to see how that gets managed and we work out solutions around that. On counting capacity, we certainly do our best to get a good understanding of capacity but it is not an exact science. It can evolve due to the level of movement into or out of a school planning area or because of the level of housing provision, roll-out and so on. It is not a definitive, exact science and I am not sure whether, in the parliamentary question the Deputy referred to, he requested a specific answer, which may not have been feasible. In any event, we can look at the issue and respond to him directly in regard to how we deal with capacity.

We certainly do not envisage any inconsistencies in how we deal with any one area over another. Capacity is assessed, judgments are made, there is liaison with patrons and so on and then we determine whether there is a need to establish a new school. We do not take that decision lightly. It is a very significant investment. A new 1,000-pupil post-primary can cost something of the order of €40 million to €50 million. There are also site issues that need to be looked at.

With regard to Dublin 8, Crumlin is in that general hinterland. We worked with the education and training board, ETB, and Educate Together in developing a partnership approach in respect of a school. That is a good collaborative arrangement to maximise use of the existing facilities as regards that school, a site and all of that. From our perspective in the planning and building unit, maximising use of the infrastructure that is there to meet needs is very important to us. Where that is not possible, a cost-effective way to meet needs is sought.