Áine Brady (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)

I am taking this Adjournment Matter on behalf of my colleague, the Minister for Education and Science, Deputy Batt O'Keeffe. I thank the Senator for raising it, as it affords me an opportunity to outline to the Seanad the process being used to ensure there will be adequate accommodation in schools at primary and post-primary level in all parts of the country.

The forward planning section of the Department of Education and Science has carried out a study of the country to identify the areas in which, owing to demographic changes, there may be a requirement for significant additional school provision at both primary and post-primary levels in the coming years. The study was conducted using data from the Central Statistics Office, the General Register Office and the Department of Social and Family Affairs, in addition to recent school enrolment data. After consideration of these factors, decisions will be taken on the means by which emerging needs will be met within an area.

The forward planning section utilises the latest in geographical information systems, GIS, technology to assist in planning school requirements for the future. The GIS contains information on all schools in the country at both primary and post-primary levels. A range of demographic information is linked spatially to the relevant schools and this allows for the mapping of various demographic scenarios at local level. Typically, the demographic information is obtained from the CSO, the General Register Office, the Department of Social and Family Affairs, An Post's GeoDirectory and information supplied by local authorities through development plans. Growth projection figures are applied to the existing population with a view to assessing future requirements at primary and post-primary level.

The forward planning section of the Department is in the process of carrying out detailed analysis of more than 40 locations of highest population growth in order to determine school accommodation requirements up to and including the school year 2014-15. When the required reports have been completed for these initial selected areas, the section will continue to work on preparing reports on a priority basis for the remainder of the country. Overall post-primary accommodation requirements in the south Dublin area, including the case for the provision of a new Irish language post-primary school, will be considered in this regard.

I thank the Senator once again for raising the matter.