Brian Hayes (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 1159: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the programme for Government to improve the arrangements for acquiring sites for schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29417/09]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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The Programme for Government sets out a number of measures in relation to school provision including improving arrangements for the planning of new schools.

A Code of Practice in relation to "The Provision of Schools and the Planning System", which was published in July 2008 sets out the best practice approaches that should be followed by planning authorities and by my Department in ensuring that the planning system plays its full part in facilitating the timely and cost-effective provision of school facilities.

This Code of Practice, which was published as a statutory planning guideline, sets out the fundamental principles or agreed actions that will foster greater partnership between the planning authorities and my Department.

These principles include: 1. Forecasting Future Education Demand, 2. Planning for New Schools through Local Authority Development Plans, 3. Planning Considerations relating to the location of schools, 4. Site Development Standards, 5. School Development Proposals and the Development Management Process, 6. School Site Identification and Acquisition.