Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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Question 75: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the number of new schools his Department estimates will need to be built over the years 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012 in order to meet the increasing number of pupils entering the education system due to the significant growth in birth rates over the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12262/09]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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Forward Planning Section of my Department is in the process of identifying the areas where significant additional accommodation will be required 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 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. The number of new schools required over the years 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012 to meet any increase in pupil numbers will be considered in this regard.