Seán Haughey (Dublin North Central, Fianna Fail)
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Question 489: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if she is planning for the increased numbers of secondary school pupils in the Dublin 5 and 17 areas; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that at least two secondary schools are closing in this locality; her views on an application from a school (details supplied) to build a physical education hall in order that the existing hall can be converted into a science laboratory, two classrooms, office space and a resource room in view of the fact that there are now 36 pupils on a waiting list for September 2007; the way this application should be made; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36475/06]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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The school referred to by the Deputy has recently made an application under the Summer Works Scheme 2007 for grant aid to upgrade science and home economic facilities. All applications under this scheme are currently being assessed and I intend to publish the list of successful applicants before Christmas.

The school also has an application with the Department for major capital grant aid for a PE Hall. This project has been assessed in accordance with the published criteria for large scale building projects and has been assigned a Band 4 rating. Progress on the proposed project is being considered in the context of the School Building and Modernisation Programme from 2007 onwards.

The Department is of the view that there are sufficient places at post primary level to meet demand in the Dublin 5 and 17 areas. The Deputy will be aware that the Departments main responsibility is to ensure that schools in an area can, between them, cater for all pupils seeking places. While this may result in pupils not obtaining a place in the school of their first choice, the Department remains satisfied that between them, the existing schools can cater for the level of demand presenting.

The situation in these areas will be kept under review.