Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick East, Labour)

I am a member of the All-Party Committee on the Constitution. In our recommendations we said it would be possible to have land made available for educational purposes at affordable prices without affecting the Constitution and we got legal advice on that issue. It costs the Department money that could otherwise be spent on school buildings, expansions and so on. It is a matter of public accountability that we try to buy land for schools at prices that are not inflated. I am aware that Educate Together met the Minister recently and made that point.

Given the recent dramatic expansion in population, does the Minister agree that not having a proactive approach in the Department of Education and Science and waiting for local communities to get organised for new schools affects children and parents and their opportunity to be in schools of a reasonable size with decent classrooms? A report in her Department suggests that within the next 15 years, primary enrolments will increase from the current level of fewer than 450,000 to approximately 600,000 and that second level enrolments will increase from 335,000 to 405,000. Are there plans in the Department to be more proactive in assuming the role of setting up new schools and supporting local communities rather than expecting schools to start up in scout halls, rugby clubs and all kinds of unsuitable accommodation until such time as they reach a certain size?

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