Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 87: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the progress made to date in the determination of the patronage of the proposed new second level schools in Maynooth, County Kildare; the extent to which local preferences continue to be taken into account; when he expects the projects to proceed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31243/12]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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In June of last year I announced that up to 40 new schools are to be established within the next six years to meet our increased demographics. Included in that announcement is a new post-primary school planned for Maynooth, Co. Kildare which is scheduled to commence operation in September 2014.

I also announced new arrangements for the recognition and determination of patronage of these new primary and post-primary schools. The new arrangements published by my Department provide a balanced approach to allow applications to be made by prospective patrons for the establishment of schools. The criteria used in deciding patronage of the new schools place a particular emphasis on parental demand for plurality and diversity of patronage.

The assessment of the applications received for patronage of new second level schools, including in Maynooth, is being finalised and it is expected that the New Schools Establishment Group will be in a position shortly to make recommendations to me for consideration and final decision.

On 12 March this year I announced the Major Building Projects to be undertaken over the next five years. Included in that announcement are both a new building for the existing Maynooth Post Primary School and a building for the new post-primary school being established. Both of these projects are scheduled to go to construction in 2014/2015