John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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Question 123: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills his plans to provide second level educate together schools; if funding will be made available for such a secondary school in Kilkenny City; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10341/11]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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My Department has recently announced plans to open at least 13 new post-primary schools over the next five years in the following locations - Gorey, Doughiska (Galway), Lucan (Clonburris), Kingscourt, Ashbourne, Mulhuddart, Blanchardstown West, Drogheda, Claregalway, Maynooth, Naas, Navan and North County Dublin/South County Louth.

The Forward Planning Section of my Department is currently examining all areas of the country to determine where additional provision will be required at both primary and post primary level up to 2017. Overall post-primary requirements in the Kilkenny area will be fully considered in this context.

The Programme for Government gives a commitment to move towards a more pluralist system of patronage at second level, recognising a wider number of patrons. It is my intention to address this policy and I will consider the role that all patron bodies, including Educate Together, can play in ensuring our education system caters for a pluralism of choice which reflects the needs of Ireland today and into the future.