Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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Question 169: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the way a parent may enrol their child in the promised VEC national schools that are to be built at Phibblestown, Dublin 15 and also at the former Phoenix Park Racecourse; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7267/08]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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Question 170: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if the new VEC national schools on the former Phoenix Park Racecourse in Dublin 15 will accept students for September 2008; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7268/08]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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Question 173: To ask the Minister for Education and Science when she reversed her decision to establish only one pilot VEC national school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7271/08]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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Question 174: To ask the Minister for Education and Science when a decision will be made on catchment areas for the two new VEC national schools that are to be built in Phibblestown, Dublin 15 and the former Phoenix Park Racecourse; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7272/08]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 169, 170, 173 and 174, together.

In February 2007 I announced my intention to introduce a new model of primary school patronage on a pilot basis. I indicated that this new model would not replace existing patron models but would provide an additional patronage option, particularly in growing areas.

Following further consideration in my Department and consultations with the main patron bodies, management bodies and education partners I announced, last December, that the new model would be piloted in two locations from September 2008. It is intended that the new schools will be opened in the Phoenix Park and in Phibblestown, Dublin 15, under the patronage of County Dublin Vocational Education Committee (VEC). It was also intended that Scoil Choilm, Diswellstown, Dublin 15, which opened in September 2007 under the temporary patronage of the Catholic Church, will become part of the pilot model following a two-year transition period. Following further recent consultations with the Catholic Church, the school community and County Dublin VEC, it has now been agreed that Scoil Choilm should come under the new pilot patronage model arrangements from September 2008.

There is a strong argument for proceeding with more than one school as this will enhance the potential for identifying possible practical issues and piloting solutions.

Work is ongoing in relation to the practical arrangements for the establishment of the pilot schools.

The new school in Phibblestown will open in September 2008 and will share a site with Phibblestown Community College which will also open in September 2008.

Registration for the 2008/2009 school year will begin on Monday next 25 February 2008. To assist parents with their applications and to provide information on the new patronage model school, an enrolment evening will be held in the hall of Mary Mother of Hope, Junior National School, on Tuesday 26 February. The catchment area of the Phibblestown school for enrolment purposes, consists of estates within Phibblestown, Castaheany, Ongar and Littlepace.

I am pleased to report this progress which I understand has been greatly facilitated by the excellent coooperation of the existing primary schools in the area.

Similar arrangements are being made in respect of the new patronage model primary school in the Phoenix Park and these will be announced shortly.

In the meantime, my Department's consultations with the main patron bodies, management bodies and education partners will continue in relation to the implementation of the pilot patronage model.