Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 537: To ask the Minister for Education and Science further to the Adjournment Debate of 19 May 2009 regarding schools building projects if he will respond to the issues raised; the steps he is taking to address the crisis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25215/09]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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As outlined in the response to the Adjournment Debate to which the Deputy refers, 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 levels for future school years.

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 the demand for places.

Having considered these factors decisions, will be taken on the means by which emerging needs will be met within an area, including the area to which the Deputy refers.

In the meantime, it is open to school authorities to apply for temporary accommodation to meet immediate needs. None of the schools in question applied for such accommodation for the 2009/10 school year. Funding was provided for two of the schools for additional accommodation for the 2008/09 school year and one of the schools has been approved funding for the replacement of windows under the Summer Works Scheme for 2009.