Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Independent)
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Question 113: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he intends to establish an all Irish Secondary School in North Kildare; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that there are three all Irish Primary Schools, Leixlip, Maynooth and Kilcock; if not, the estimated capacity in the all Irish secondary school in Lucan, Dublin; the portion of that capacity that is designated for North Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14976/12]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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As the Deputy is aware, in June 2011 I announced that 20 new post-primary schools are to be established up to 2017 across a number of locations to cater for increasing demographics. In addition the announcement outlined that an initial decision would be made by my Department, before seeking applications for patronage, on whether the school would operate through the medium of Irish or English and that applications would be sought from patrons when this decision was made.

An analysis was carried out on all of the areas in which new schools are to be delivered to establish if these schools should be an all Irish schools. Consideration was given having regard to existing and planned provision of both English medium and Irish medium schools within and adjacent to the areas concerned. In the case of the new school to be established in Maynooth in 2014 it was decided that the medium of instruction should be English. However, one of the requirements that must be satisfied by prospective school patrons is the confirmation of willingness to establish an Aonad where there is demand for it (for a school where the primary medium of instruction is to be English).

The closing date for receipt of applications for patronage of the post-primary schools to be established in 2013 and 2014 was Friday 24 February 2012. The Forward Planning Section of my Department is assessing all applications in line with the announced criteria and will prepare a report for submission to the New Schools Establishment Group, who will in turn submit their report to me for final consideration and decision.

In regard to the all Irish secondary school in Lucan, this school was built to cater for a long-term projected enrolment of 600 pupils. The school had an enrolment of 378 pupils in the 2010/2011 school year. This school was built to cater for the needs of West Dublin/ North Kildare area.

My Department will continue to monitor enrolments in the North Kildare area to ensure that there is sufficient school accommodation to meet any projected future demands.