Michael D'Arcy (Fine Gael)
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I hope I will get as comprehensive a reply as the one to the previous matter. My experience with the Department of Education and Skills, however, is that I will not. Premises used by a post-primary school on an interim basis are about to become vacant. Those premises are being made available to a primary school whose facilities are in very poor condition. To my dismay, the board of management advised me that, after the initial offer was made, it was made conditional on St. Joseph's CBS changing its status from an all-boys school to a co-educational school. I wish to know if that is the case. If so, it represents interference by the Department of Education and Skills with the patrons of that school. It is a decision that should have been made by the board of management without coercion and without undue interference by the Department.

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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I am responding to this matter on behalf the Minister for Education and Skills, Deputy Quinn. I thank the Senator for raising the matter as it provides the opportunity to clarify to this House the future use of the school building which is currently used to accommodate the newly established post-primary school in Gorey, pending the provision of permanent accommodation for that school.

The Senator will be aware of the demographic challenge facing the education system in the coming years. Total enrolment in both primary and post-primary schools is expected to grow by almost 70,000 by 2018, with more than 45,000 at primary level and 25,000 at post-primary. It will continue to grow up to at least 2024 at post-primary level. It is vital therefore that there is sufficient school accommodation to cope with these pupil enrolments.

To meet the needs of our growing population of school-going children, the Department of Education and Skills must establish new schools as well as extending or replacing a number of existing schools in areas where demographic growth has been identified. The delivery of these new schools, together with extension projects to meet future demand, will be the main focus of the Department's budget for the coming years.

The new permanent post-primary school building for Gorey is under construction. Owing to the immediate demand for additional post-primary school places in Gorey, it was necessary to establish the new school in a temporary location pending the construction of the permanent building. The new school concerned, now Creagh College, opened in September 2011. The design of the building lends itself to conversion to a permanent primary school in future if required.

The most recent projections produced by the Department of Education and Skills in respect of the Gorey area forecast an increase in the projected demand at primary level in the coming years. The future use of the Creagh building will, therefore, meet the co-educational pupil demand identified.

In June of this year, following a request by the school management, the Minister, Deputy Quinn, together with Department officials, met a delegation from St. Joseph's national school. The delegation sought to relocate St. Joseph's to the Creagh building when it is vacated. The Deputy will be aware that St. Joseph's is a senior boys' school catering for children from second to sixth class. The neighbouring Loreto convent school, which caters for boys and girls up to first class, acts as its main feeder school. The Department advised the delegation of the co-educational demand that must be met and that the proposal from the school must be considered in this context.

The delegation undertook to consider the Department's position in conjunction with stakeholders and the patron, whereby the premises could potentially address the school's accommodation needs as well as the demographic needs of the area. A formal response from the school authorities is awaited.

I thank the Senator for allowing the Minister for Education and Skills the opportunity to outline the position. I was pleased to take this Adjournment matter on the Minister's behalf.

Michael D'Arcy (Fine Gael)
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I realise that it is difficult for the Minister address this matter, as the situation is not clear. She stated, "The Department advised the delegation of the co-educational demand". This does not suggest that it gave a direction, but that it is coercing those who met the Minister on behalf of the school management. My question was clear - is the offer conditional? It has not been answered as comprehensively as the Minister is able to answer for her own Department. This is my criticism when the Minister for Education and Skills does not appear. I still need to have my question answered. If the Minister present is able to do so, I will gladly accept it, but I doubt that she can, as it does not relate to her Department. This is the ridiculous nature of these debates. I suggest to the Acting Chairman that when an answer is not forthcoming from a Department, the matter should be sent back for an immediate response. It is unfair to and demeaning for the Chamber. Is the term "The Department advised the delegation" a conditional response from the Department to the management, which met the Minister? I would appreciate an answer.

Lorraine Higgins (Labour)
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I will pass on the Senator's concerns to the Cathaoirleach.

Michael D'Arcy (Fine Gael)
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And the Minister.

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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I will highlight the point made in my reply: "The Department advised the delegation of the co-educational demand that must be met and that the proposal from the school must be considered in this context". However, I take the Senator's point about clarity on whether this implies that the school needs to be co-educational. I will contact the Department and advise it that he is seeking further clarification.

Michael D'Arcy (Fine Gael)
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Could I have that response tomorrow, please?