Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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Question 94: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding the provision of an extension at a school (details supplied) in County Cork. [40372/10]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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I am pleased to inform the Deputy that the Design Team, for the school building project to which he refers, was recently given authorisation to proceed to tender.

Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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Question 95: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if she has received correspondence from an organisation (details supplied) requesting a new primary school in that area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40390/10]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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I wish to confirm that my Department has received correspondence in relation to the establishment of an Educate Together school in the area referred to by the Deputy. As the Deputy may be aware the Commission on School Accommodation is currently reviewing the procedures for the establishment of new primary schools. The Commission is due to report to me shortly at which stage I will have to consider policy matters and necessary arrangements and revised procedures that will need to be put in place. While the review is ongoing it is not intended to establish any new primary schools except in cases where new schools are warranted because of increased demographics. This means that new schools will not be established for reasons unrelated to demographic growth.

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. The study indicated that the requirement for additional primary provision in the short to medium term is likely to be greatest in more than 40 identified locations across the country based on significant changes to the demographics of those areas. The Portobello area was not included in these initial identified areas. The Forward Planning Section of my Department will continue to analyse demographic trends to determine the level of additional provision which will be required into the future. Overall school requirements in the area referred to will be considered in this context.