Jerry Buttimer (Cork South-Central, Fine Gael)

I thank Deputy Smith for raising the issue and I hear his remarks and concerns regarding the provision of school places at primary level in Portmarnock. The Department uses data from a range of sources, including child benefit data, enrolments and information on new residential developments to plan for school placement needs. I will take the points Deputy Smith has made back, and I ask him to provide the information to me so that I can give it to the Minister and the Department. There has been significant investment in school infrastructure since 2020. The Department is continually planning for, and investing in, existing and new schools throughout the country. The nature of the admission process is considerable and quite complex as offers and acceptance continue to transact. There can be significant overlap and duplicate applications throughout areas and schools. While some applications may not yet have received an offer for a school place for 2025 to 2026, families can be assured that all children who require a school place will be provided with one. I will take the Deputy's remarks back and I hear his concerns most definitely.

See this speech in context