Joanna Tuffy (Labour)

I have raised this matter on a number of occasions. A local Fianna Fáil candidate recently obtained information, by way of the freedom of information process, about the number of applicants for school places in Lucan compared to the number of places available. The candidate in question obtained some interesting figures which he probably would have got free of charge had he approached the Minister, Deputy Noel Dempsey, directly.

According to the information to which I refer, there appears to be a shortfall of approximately 300 places. I accept that there is a difficulty in terms of people making applications on their children's behalf to several schools. However, I am aware that there is still a problem in respect of primary school places. This is despite the fact that a great deal has been done in recent months in that approval has been granted for the construction of certain school buildings. I know people who have had to enrol their children in schools outside the area because they were turned away by schools in Lucan. I do not know the extent of the problem in that I do not have precise figures. However, more needs to be done at primary level.

Too much of what has happened in the area has been as a result of initiatives taken by local parents or schools. For example, a new Educate Together school was established as a result of pressure exerted by parents. However, there is a limit on how much can be achieved in this manner. It is the responsibility of the Department, the Minister and the Government to resolve the difficulties and anticipate needs and ensure that they are met. I would like to hear the Department's proposals in this regard. If it is a case that existing schools should expand, the Government, the Minister and the Department should approach the schools involved and indicate their proposals to meet the shortfall.

As regards secondary school places, in the most recent reply I received from the Minister, I was informed that pupils who cannot gain a place in the area should go outside it to Leixlip, Palmerstown, etc. That is not satisfactory. People need to attend schools in their local areas. Most people do not want their children to have to travel outside their areas to attend school and they feel that their children have a right to go to school locally. It is much better for the children, their parents and the community if they can attend school in their local areas.

A new school building is to be constructed at Adamstown. There is no reason that the Department cannot take the initiative and state that the school can provide for some of the secondary school needs in the area now and that it will be built early. That was the intention of the planners of South Dublin County Council when they adopted the Adamstown plan.