Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)

Yes, to new schools. As part of the moratorium, we stated that where new schools were required, the technical group working at my Department would proceed because the school population is growing. It was agreed that the group would contact all patrons. For 2009 we are able to accommodate all requirements by adding extensions to schools and so on. In 2010 and 2011 there will be a serious influx of pupils into these schools and we must provide new schools. I have arranged for the commission to make contact with the various patrons indicating where we envisage a need for new schools and where existing schools will not be able to accommodate the increase. They were contacted on 29 March and we are awaiting responses in respect of the development of these new schools.

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