Martin Ferris (Kerry North, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 566: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if she will confirm that the status of a school (details supplied) in County Kerry will remain the same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20552/06]

Martin Ferris (Kerry North, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 567: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if she will confirm that the status of a school (details supplied) in County Kerry will remain the same. [20553/06]

Martin Ferris (Kerry North, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 568: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if she will confirm that the status of a school (details supplied) in County Kerry will remain the same. [20554/06]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 566 to 568, inclusive, together.

In recent years a new planning model for educational infrastructure has been introduced in order to ensure that in future, school provision is decided after a transparent consultation process. In this regard, trustees, parents, sponsors of prospective schools and all interested parties from a locality have the opportunity to have their input into this planning the process.

A draft area development plan for North Kerry (up to 2011), was published by my Department in April 2006. The Commission on School Accommodation is currently engaged in a public consultation process to which all interested parties can make submissions. The draft report raises the issue of rationalisation of post-primary provision in the catchment area of the schools referred to by the Deputy. The closing date for receipt of submissions relating to the draft North Kerry Development Plan was 24 May 2006. All submissions received are considered by the Commission and are also published for public information. This process will culminate in the publication of a Final Area Development Plan which will provide a blueprint for educational provision in the area for the next decade, against which all capital funding decisions will be made over the coming years.

The future status of the schools referred to by the Deputy will be considered as part of the above process.