Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick City, Labour)
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122. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills when he will announce the patrons for new post-primary schools due to open in 2017 and 2018; if his attention has been drawn to the urgency with regard to the school that is due to open in 2017 in Limerick in view of the central applications system that applies for the city; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28920/16]

Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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On 26 April 2016 applications were invited for the patronage of nine new post-primary schools to be established in 2017 and 2018, including the new post-primary schools to open in Limerick City and Environs (South-West) in 2017 and in Limerick City and Environs (East) in 2018. The closing date for receipt of applications for this process was 8 June 2016.  Patrons submitted with their application a parental preference template in which parents have been requested to declare their preference for their child(ren) to be educated through that patron's school model and also their preference with regard to education through the medium of English or Irish.

Applications received are currently being assessed by my Department.  The assessment process is detailed and rigorous and numerous applications have been received in respect of each of the nine proposed new post-primary schools.  The final assessment reports will be forwarded for the consideration of the New Schools Establishment Group (NSEG), which will submit a report with recommendations to me for consideration and final decision. 

It is expected that the assessment process will be completed and that a determination in relation to the patronage of the new schools will be made in the coming weeks.  In the context of the Common Applications System which operates in Limerick, my Department has been liaising with the Limerick Education Centre in this matter and understands that post-primary school opening days/nights are ongoing.  The assessment reports and the recommendations of the NSEG will be available on the Department's website following the announcement.