Aindrias Moynihan (Cork North West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

A new school is due to open in Ballincollig in September. This is less than five months from now, which means time is short. Parents are concerned by what they consider to be a lack of certainty and progress on the school. I have repeatedly raised this issue and pressed the Department and Minister to progress the matter. I understand the Minister has on his desk sufficient information to make a decision on who will be the patron of the school. Will he identify the patron to allow it to proceed with the establishment of the school?

In recognition of population growth in Ballincollig in recent years, a new school was announced in November 2015. In September 2015, 448 children enrolled in the town's schools, one of which accepted 94 children and refused almost as many again. Despite this, the next step in the process was not taken until one year later, in November 2016, when expressions of interest were invited to potential patrons. Three patron groups submitted applications by 6 January 2017 and the new school establishment group has been reviewing these submissions in the intervening months. In response to a question I asked the Minister in late February, he indicated a decision on patronage was due within weeks. One month later, a decision has not been made and the school is due to open in less than five months. A great deal of work must be done before September. Staff must be hired and an open and transparent hiring process will add a number of weeks to the process. The building must be finished and enrolments taken, which mean the timetable is very tight.

The position in Ballincollig contrasts strongly with the position of the fourth school in the same school bundle, which is located in south central Dublin. The Dublin school will have 18 months to do the same work as the school in Ballincollig. The new school establishment group has made a recommendation, which is on the Minister's desk. Will he release the name of the patron and allow the patron to establish the school? Locals are concerned and have been outlining their concerns when they call into my office in Ballincollig or meet me on the street.

They are asking what is the story with the school and whether there will be a place for their child in September, which is less than five months away. If they have expressed interest in another patron that is not approved, will there be a place for them in the new school?

The school is only taking in one junior infants class. What happens if there is more demand than that? If a second class is required, will provision be made? What will happen regarding children with special educational needs? The Department is currently amending the way in which support for them is allocated. How will SNA supports be allocated for the new school in Ballincollig? Will it be done using the old model or via the new model using a baseline and profile of the area? Given the tight timeframe, it is expected a temporary building will be in use from September. How long with the children be in this building and what facilities will be available to them? Will there be playgrounds, green areas and so on? How soon will the new eight classroom permanent school be built and occupied? These are realistic questions that are concerning for parents and they cannot approach a school authority to get answers.

The New Schools Establishment Group, NSEG, has been reviewing the bundle of four schools for the past three months. Three submissions were made regarding Ballincollig. They have been reviewed and are on the Minister's desk. Can he release the Ballincollig decision in order that the school can be developed? That would clear up much of the uncertainty that is troubling parents. It would mean the patron could finalise the details of the school building and offer places to children and it would mean parents would know where they stand. There are less than five months remaining for the school to be opened and parents have numerous concerns. I have repeatedly raised the issue with the Minister through parliamentary questions and directly with the Department. Can he release the name of the patron for the new school in Ballincollig and let it get on with establishing the new school?

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