Catherine Byrne (Dublin South Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 242: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if he is committed to a new multidenominational primary school for the Dublin 6 and 8 catchment areas; his views on whether there is an shortage of places for children in multidenominational schools in Dublin south city, especially Dublin 6 and 8 in view of the fact that demand is increasing. [7418/10]

Catherine Byrne (Dublin South Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 243: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding a proposed new multidenominational primary school in Dublin 8; when this school will be built; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7419/10]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 242 and 243 together.

As the Deputy may be aware, in September 2008 I announced a review of the procedures for the establishment of new primary schools under the Commission on School Accommodation. It is expected that the review of procedures for recognising primary schools will be completed and revised arrangements will be in place within a two year time frame. In the interim it is not proposed to recognise any new primary schools, except in areas where the increases in pupil numbers cannot be catered for in existing schools and which require the provision of new schools. This means that new schools will not be established for reasons unrelated to demographic growth in areas where there is already sufficient school accommodation or where increases can be catered for by extending existing school accommodation.

The Forward Planning Section of my Department has carried out a study of the country to identify the areas where, due to demographic changes, there may be a requirement for significant additional school provision at both primary and post-primary levels over the coming years. This study has been conducted using data from the Central Statistics Office, the General Register Office and the Department of Social & Family Affairs in addition to recent schools' enrolment data. The study indicates that the requirement for additional primary provision in years 2010, 2011 and 2012 is likely to be greatest in more than 40 identified locations across the country based on significant changes to the demographics of those areas.

This information was circulated to all existing school Patrons who were invited to bring forward proposals for the expansion of existing schools or indeed to put themselves forward as Patron for any new primary school, should it be required. The requirement for the establishment of new schools will of course be lessened where it is possible to expand and extend existing schools in those areas. On foot of this no concerns were raised regarding accommodation issues by the existing Patrons in the Dublin 6/8 area.