Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 188: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills her views on the number of additional second level schools that are required for Lucan, County Dublin, based on the demographics and population growth in the area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23808/10]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 191: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills when her Departments review of patronage issues for second level schools will be completed; when she expects to make a decision regarding patronage of a new second level school for Lucan, County Dublin; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23811/10]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 188 and 191 together.

Forward Planning Section of my Department is analysing demographic trends and the impact for school infrastructure provision on an ongoing basis. Based on this analysis of current demographic trends it is anticipated that there will be a need for a further post-primary school in the Lucan area in the medium term. More detailed analysis will be required in order to determine an optimum date for the commencement of that school.

In the interim, my Department has increased post-primary school capacity in the Lucan area with the provision of recently completed building projects. This includes the opening of a new post-primary school in Adamstown in September 2009 which has capacity to cater for up to 1,000 pupils. These recently completed projects, in addition to currently planned extension projects, will assist in reducing pressure for pupil places in the short to medium term while the process of advancing the project for a new school continues.

I have previously stated that given the changing nature of Irish society and the projected need for a number of post-primary schools to open in the medium term, the Department is considering a number of broad policy issues regarding the establishment of new post-primary schools. As part of this, consideration is being given to the setting up of a new framework in relation to the establishment of new second-level schools and their patronage. New schools where only very initial planning has taken place, such as the case of the proposed new school in Lucan referred to by the Deputy, will be considered in the context of this framework when it is established.

It is my intention to finalise this matter and convey a decision to all relevant parties at the earliest date possible.