Marie Sherlock (Labour) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for his comprehensive reply. In response, I should point out that Clonturk Community College has proven that it will be a 1,000-student school. There is no question over the future growth of the school or whether it will reach those enrolment figures. Based on its current numbers and the excess of demand over supply of places, it is very clear that this school will meet the 1,000 student capacity mark in a very short period. I ask the Minister of State to ask the Department to provide a date or precise timeline for the completion of the nationwide demographic exercise. The information contained in the response is very useful in terms of how that data is compiled but I would reiterate that the school's view that there is a proven demand for a permanent school building. I take on board what the Minister of State has said about the Department being very responsive in recent years and would point out that in this particular instance, space is not an issue. There is plenty of land on which to develop a school building. I hope the Department will move sooner rather than later in terms of its commitment to deliver a permanent building on that site.