Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Independent)
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120. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the historical model that has been utilised by her Department when anticipating future educational needs across the State; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39478/14]

Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick City, Labour)
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My Department uses a Geographical Information System to analyse demographic data on a nationwide basis to determine the areas where additional primary and post-primary educational infrastructure may be required. A variety of data sources are used in this analysis, including census data, school enrolment data, and child benefit data obtained from the Department of Social Protection.

The outcomes from this analysis are fed into my Department's five-year construction plan, which is currently focused on ensuring that every child has access to a physical school place. Where new schools are needed, these are advanced in line with an objective process and criteria for determining patronage and language medium of instruction.