Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

In April 2016, applications were invited for the patronage of nine new post-primary schools to be established in 2017 and 2018, including the new post-primary school to serve the Portlaoise area. The closing date for receipt of applications for this process was 8 June 2016.  Patrons submitted with their application a parental preference template in which parents were requested to declare their preference for their child to be educated through that patron's school model and also their preference with regard to education through the medium of English or Irish.

Applications received are currently being assessed by my Department.  The assessment process is detailed and rigorous and numerous applications have been received in respect of each of the nine proposed new post-primary schools.

The final assessment reports will be forwarded for the consideration of the new schools establishment group. It is an external independent advisory group set up to oversee the process.  Following the group's consideration, it will submit a report with recommendations to me for consideration and final decision.  I will then announce who is the successful patron of each school. I expect to receive this report in the coming weeks. The assessment reports and the recommendations of the new schools establishment group will be available on my Department's website following the announcement.

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