Jonathan O'Brien (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein)
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503. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if she will develop an Educate Together school in County Galway, given that an independent demographic study commissioned by GET2LS, the Educate Together secondary level start-up group, clearly demonstrated a demographic need for a new school, and there are now five Educate Together primary schools in County Galway which between them accept six classes of junior infants each year (details supplied) with no multi-denominational post-primary for them to go to; if she is aware that there are more than 1,200 expressions of interest from independent parents living in County Galway in having an Educate Together secondary level school in County Galway; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43794/15]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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542. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if she will provide a choice of secondary education under the patronage of Educate Together in Galway City, if she has conducted research to ascertain the demand for such a choice, if not, if and when she will do so; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44221/15]

Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick City, Labour)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 503 and 542 together.

My Department uses a Geographical Information System (GIS) to identify where the pressure for school places will arise. The outcome of the latest demographic exercises, based on the GIS, is that on 17th November last, I announced the establishment of 4 primary schools and 9 post-primary schools to open in 2017 and 2018.

The patronage determination process for new schools is a separate process, which is run after it is decided that, based on the demographic data, a new school is required. Parental preferences are central to this process and prospective patrons are required to provide evidence of demand for their particular type of school. It is open to all patrons and prospective patrons to apply for patronage of a new school under this process.

In relation to the Galway City and Environs, this is an area that is experiencing increased demographic pressure at post-primary level and will be kept under ongoing review by my Department, as I indicated in my announcement of 17 November. This ongoing review will take account of updated enrolment data and also the impact of existing and planned capacity increases to existing schools in the area. Notwithstanding that the Galway City area including environs is an area defined as a demographic growth area, it is also an area where certain schools are experiencing a decline in pupil numbers.

Further exploration of existing capacity and scope for expansion of existing provision is ongoing. The outcome of this exploration and the ongoing review of demographic changes in the area will determine the steps to be taken.