Written answers

Tuesday, 8 November 2005

Department of Education and Science

School Transport

8:00 pm

Photo of Shane McEnteeShane McEntee (Meath, Fine Gael)
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Question 116: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if she will review the catchment boundaries for school transport services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32723/05]

Photo of Liz McManusLiz McManus (Wicklow, Labour)
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Question 164: To ask the Minister for Education and Science when school catchment boundaries will be reviewed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32768/05]

Photo of Mary HanafinMary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 116 and 164 together.

Catchment boundaries have their origins in the establishment of free post-primary education in the late 1960s and were determined following consultation with local educational interests. For planning purposes the country was divided into geographic districts each with several primary schools feeding into a post-primary centre with one or more post-primary schools. The intention was and continues to be that these defined districts facilitate the orderly planning of school provision and accommodation needs.

I do not propose to have a general countrywide review of catchment boundaries. However, reviews of specific catchment boundaries may be carried out where appropriate. A number of reviews have been carried out over the years where, for example, a new post-primary school is established in an area where previously there was none or, conversely, where a "sole provider" school closes due to declining enrolment.

The area development planning initiative, involving an extensive consultative process carried out by the commission on school accommodation, will also inform future revisions to catchment areas. An area development plan takes account of demographic changes and projects future enrolments for existing schools and new schools if required. Catchment boundary changes will be made where the implementation of the recommendations in an area development plan requires such adjustments.

Catchment boundaries have provided and continue to provide a very useful tool in facilitating the orderly planning of school provision and accommodation needs and the operation of the national school transport service.

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