Brian Hayes (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 178: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if the new schools advisory committee which was established in 1998 is now defunct; the exact position in connection with this committee; the reason no meetings have occurred in recent times; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13715/09]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy will be aware, I have recently announced a review of the procedures for the establishment of new primary schools. The term of office of the New Schools Advisory Committee (NSAC), which was set up to assess all applications for new primary schools, expired in August, 2008. The terms of reference of the committee were originally drafted in 1998. Given the rapid growth in population and changing demographics in recent years, it is an opportune time to re-examine the criteria for the establishment of new primary schools.

I have established a Technical Working Group under the Commission on School Accommodation to undertake a full review of the criteria and procedures for the recognition of new primary schools. It is expected that this review will be completed and recommendations made to me by the Commission before the end of 2009.