Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for that information and I am particularly pleased to note that a permanent site has been acquired for the Stepaside school, which is welcome. My main concern, if I have one, is about the secondary school. The Minister of State has indicated that a site has been identified but due to commercial sensitivity, it cannot be indicated.

I have been getting that answer for a long time now and I wonder if that site is ever going to be acquired or if there is a problem that is insurmountable. Huge problems are arising because of the lack of knowledge around where the school will be located. In regard to the reference to the catchment area problems, while the catchment area is supposed to include Stepaside and Ballinteer, both are diverse areas and very far apart from one another. Parents in one area are concerned that their children will not be able to get to the school. Identification of a location for the school could result in the release of places for children living near the school even though they may not be in the catchment area. This issue is causing a lot of angst in the area. I am asking that the Minister ensure there is a sense of urgency about acquiring that site and making an announcement in that regard.

Having said all of that, I appreciate the problem of identifying land in a constituency like mine, where land for any purpose is not only scarce but extremely expensive. In recognition that our population is growing and there will be need for more schools all over Dublin for a number of years to come, will the Minister consider the introduction of legislation which would allow for compulsory purchase orders in respect of land for schools, as is done in respect of land for the provision of roads? I believe educational infrastructure is at least as important as roads infrastructure.

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