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

I am very aware of the issue. The Deputy, the Ceann Comhairle and other Deputies in the area have raised the concerns of parents with me, such as their desire to have new choices. We have outlined that there is a planning process within the Department which examines 314 different planning areas and the demographic pressures within them. Each planning area encompasses a significant range of schools.

I can understand the need for change. As the Deputy knows, there is a commitment in the programme for Government to advance the range of choice and ensure more schools emerge. I am very enthusiastic about the idea of Educate Together and local ETBs getting together in some form of collaborative patronage. It would open up new options.

I am confined to the planning approach because the Department's funding is under pressure and we have to make sure that we are systematic in the way we approach different parts of the country and are as fair as possible to everyone. I am very keen to accommodate, where possible, the needs of parents, but I have to work within the constraints of the budget and planning process. I am happy to work with representatives in the area.

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