Ciara Conway (Waterford, Labour)
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Question 236: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills his plans to open a school (details supplied) in County Waterford; the criteria which must be met in relation to being granted temporary status by him; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9439/11]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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A review of the criteria and procedures for the establishment of new primary schools has been undertaken by the Commission on School Accommodation and its report has recently been published on my Department's website. It will be necessary to consider the report's recommendations and proposals. 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.

The establishment of new schools, including the request for a new school in the area referred to by the Deputy, will be considered in this context. In line with a commitment given in The Programme for Government I have launched a Forum on Patronage and Pluralism in the Primary Sector which will enable all stakeholders including parents to engage in open debate on change of patronage in communities where it is appropriate and necessary.