Liz McManus (Wicklow, Labour)
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Question 381: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if, in view of assurances that a decision on the future of a school (details supplied) in County Wicklow would be made some weeks ago, she will provide a timeframe for a final decision on the application by the school for national school status with Educate Together; her views on whether the delay in a decision on the future of the school is regrettable resulting in existing and prospective parents being forced to seek alternative places for their children in September 2006; her further views on whether this will add to an already over crowded school situation in the area; her further views on whether it is unacceptable that a rejection of this application will result in there being no option of a multi-denominational education for children in the west Wicklow area; the provision which will be in place for these parents for September 2006; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21744/06]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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A decision will be made on the application to establish a new Educate Together school in West Wicklow within days. The reason the decision was deferred at the time that the list of new schools was announced was to allow for consideration of the impact that recognising this school would have on the existing schools in the area, plans for the expansion of which are well advanced. The New Schools Advisory Committee recommended in their report to me that this issue be considered.

The Chairperson of the Commission on School Accommodation has just carried out a review and further analysis of key data in relation to the population projections for the area. I have now received his report on the matter which I am considering. I am very conscious of the need for a decision to be made as soon as possible so that parents know what the situation will be for September and I expect to make my decision known within days.