Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 406: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if a review of the secondary school sector in New Ross has been carried out; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40088/05]

Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 412: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if a review of the secondary school sector in New Ross has been carried out; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40094/05]

Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 413: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if a review of the primary school sector in New Ross has been carried out; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40095/05]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I propose to take Questions Nos. 406, 412 and 413 together.

As the Deputy is aware from recent answers to parliamentary questions in this matter, the school planning section of my Department proposes to rationalise provision at primary and post-primary level in New Ross. There is general agreement at primary level to this locally. Consequently, officials in my Department have carried out architectural assessments on all four primary schools to determine which, if any, would be suitable to act as hosts for the proposed rationalisation. In addition, the local authority is furnishing my Department with updated demographics on the area so that an informed decision can be taken on school sizes. When these matters have been resolved, my Department will address the issue of enrolment polices for the proposed school re-configuration. Any building works required to give effect to the rationalisation process will be given a top band one priority rating.

There is no agreement to rationalisation at post-primary level. The school planning section of my Department will be addressing this matter again in the new year.

Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 410: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if a review of the secondary school sector in Gorey, County Wexford has been carried out; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40092/05]

Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 414: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if a review of the primary school sector in Gorey, County Wexford has been carried out; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40096/05]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I propose to take Questions Nos. 410 and 414 together.

The school planning section of my Department has identified Gorey as an area of rapid development and, consequently, it decided to undertake a review of the long-term needs of the area at primary and post-primary level. As a result of this review, I announced the provision of a new post-primary school for Gorey to cater for some 1,000 students. This new school will be delivered by way of a public private partnership. My Department is in discussions with the local authority with regard to the identification of a suitable site for the school. At the appropriate time, it will be engaging with the authorities of the existing school with regard to the process and arrangements that will be required to ensure a smooth transition from a one-school centre to a two-school centre. Part of this process will involve defining the enrolment policies and catchments areas that will underpin effective provision once Gorey becomes a two-school centre and also the enrolment policy that should operate at the existing school during the transition period.

My Department's planning section is now examining educational provision at primary level in Gorey. Factors under consideration include population growth, demographic trends, current and projected enrolments, recent and planned housing developments and the capacity of existing schools, if any, to meet the demand for places. Having considered these factors, a decision will be made on the means by which any emerging needs should be met.

Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 411: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if a review of the secondary school sector in Wexford has been carried out; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40093/05]

Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 416: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if a review of the primary school sector in Wexford has been carried out; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40098/05]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I propose to take Questions Nos. 411 and 416 together.

I am assuming that the Deputy is referring to Wexford town. The school planning section of my Department has no plans at present to carry out a review of educational provision for this particular area. However, all applications on hands for capital funding from schools in the town will be subject to the normal examination procedures to ensure that any extra accommodation being provided will be sufficient to meet the schools needs for the foreseeable future. Progress on individual projects will be considered in the context of the school building and modernisation programme for 2006 onwards.

Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 415: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if a review of the secondary school sector in Enniscorthy, County Wexford has been carried out; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40097/05]

Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 418: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if a review of the primary school sector in Enniscorthy, County Wexford has been carried out; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40100/05]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I propose to take Questions Nos. 415 and 418 together.

Officials in the school planning section of the Department are currently carrying out a review of primary and post-primary school provision in the Enniscorthy area. This review is expected to be completed in the new year.