Joe Carey (Clare, Fine Gael)
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Question 534: To ask the Minister for Education and Science when the promised educational needs assessment for east Clare will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9753/09]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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The Forward Planning Section of my Department is in the process of identifying the areas where significant additional accommodation will be needed at primary and post-primary level for 2009 and onwards.

Factors under consideration include population growth, demographic trends, current and projected enrolments, recent and planned housing developments and the 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.

As this process is being carried out for every area in the country on a prioritised basis in terms of need for 2009, 2010 etc. I am not in a position, at this point in time, to say when an examination of the East Clare area will be completed. My Department does not intend publishing the results of the examination as the work being carried out is routine forward planning which is carried out in my Department on a daily basis. The schools affected by the outcomes will, however, be contacted by my Department at the appropriate time.