Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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Question 473: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the growing demand for additional primary school places in mature built up areas, such as Dublin 6, where one school (details supplied) has an intake of 27 junior infant pupils confirmed with a waiting list of 63, plus an additional six applicants; the steps being taken to expand the capacity of the primary school system to cope with the growing population for more primary school places; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17918/08]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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The school to which the Deputy refers has not submitted an application to my Department for capital funding towards the provision of additional accommodation. If schools feel that they don't have sufficient places to meet demand, including this school, they should contact my Department so that the situation can be examined as to how best to provide whatever additional capacity is required.

The Dublin 6 area is served by nineteen primary schools, (including three special schools). My Department's main responsibility is to ensure that schools in any given area can, between them, cater for all pupils seeking school places. This approach ensures that the use of existing accommodation is maximised and that the development and support of one school over others does not occur.

The Forward Planning Section of my Department will keep the position in such areas under review to ensure that any additional emerging needs are met as expeditiously as possible. Factors under consideration include population growth, demographic trends, current and projected enrolments, recent and planned housing developments and capacity of existing schools to meet demand for places. Having considered these factors decisions will be taken on the means by which emerging needs will be met within an area.