Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 97: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if in view of the criterion laid down by the relevant section of his Department relating to the provision of secondary schools in general and particularly the proposal to build two post-primary schools at Maynooth, County Kildare, if it is intended to have regard for parental or local choice; if the junior senior cycle proposal on campus as favoured by the existing parent teacher association is likely to be considered, favoured or rejected; if the said criterion excludes any particular or specific structure or structures, management or otherwise, in respect of the proposed schools; if it is intended that the schools fall under existing or alternative patronage; if the patronage representation at schools in the surrounding area is likely to be a consideration in such issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39004/11]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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A replacement school building for the existing VEC post-primary school in Maynooth has been approved.

Earlier this year I also published details of new procedures and criteria for the establishment of new second level schools and of the process for determining the patronage of such new schools. I also announced details of 20 new second level schools that would need to be established between 2012 and 2017 to meet our increasing demographics. As the Deputy will be aware, Maynooth is one of the areas where a new 1,000 pupil second level school is to be established. Applications for patronage of any of the new second level schools, including the new school in Maynooth, would need to relate to the provision of a full curriculum through from first year to sixth year. This is one of the key requirements of the process. In the case of the Maynooth school the main medium of instruction will be English. The closing date for receipt of applications for patronage of the new second level schools is Friday, 24th February 2012. My Department will prepare a report on these applications for the consideration of the New Schools Establishment Group who will submit a report to me for final consideration and decision.

Details of the new arrangements for patronage of new schools and the criteria for deciding on patronage of these new schools is available on my Department's website, www.education.ie.

Both new school buildings will be located on one campus and responsibility for the delivery of the buildings has been devolved to County Kildare Vocational Education Committee. I understand the VEC is in the process of appointing a Design Team.