Seán Kyne (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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Question 251: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if, owing to the evidence provided by existing schools in terms of school places on the western side of Galway city which indicated that a new Irish-medium school in Knocknacarra is not required, he will confirm that the decision to grant a new school is based on efforts to increase plurality of school patrons. [24338/12]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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In June 2011, I announced that 20 new primary schools are to be established up to 2015 across a number of locations to cater for increasing demographics. My Department invited patrons and prospective patron bodies to make applications for patronage of the new primary schools that are due to be established in 2012 and 2013. Following my consideration of the recommendations of the New Schools Establishment Group, I announced in March of this year that the new school to open in Knocknacarra in 2013 will be an Irish medium school. However I also stated that further clarification would be sought from An Foras Patrunachta and the City of Galway VEC before a decision would be made on patronage of this new school. The basis for the decision to open a new school in Knocknacarra was made following a detailed study of the available demographic data for this area. I am aware that my officials had a meeting with a deputation of principals from Galway City West Schools on 29th March, 2012 to discuss the local principals' concerns regarding the need for a new school in the Knocknacarra area. The issues raised by the principals at that meeting are being considered further.