Willie Penrose (Longford-Westmeath, Labour)
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163. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills his plans to cater for the ever-growing need for primary school places in Newbridge, County Kildare; if he will consider the need for more diverse ethos for such schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40617/16]

Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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My Department carries out nationwide demographic analyses to determine where additional school accommodation is needed at primary and at post-primary level.

As the Deputy may be aware, the 6 Year Capital Plan (2016-2021), announced in November 2015, as part of the Government's €2.8 billion schools capital investment programme, details the major school building projects that are scheduled to proceed to tender/construction over the lifetime of the Plan. It is my Department's intention to progress these projects, including those listed for County Kildare, though the various stages of the architectural planning, tender and construction process.

The Programme aims to prioritise new building projects and major extensions, including for special schools, in areas where significant demographic need has been established. School projects that were announced under my Department's 5 Year Plan (2012-2016) will also be advanced in the Capital Programme. The Deputy will also be aware that in addition, the Capital Programme also provides for devolved funding for smaller scale projects for schools, where an immediate accommodation need has been identified, such as the appointment of an additional teacher.

A range of areas nationwide, including many of the school planning areas in Kildare, are experiencing increased demographic pressure and these are being kept under review by my Department. This review takes account of updated enrolment and child benefit data and also the impact of existing and planned capacity increases to schools in these areas.

As the Deputy will be aware, the Programme for a Partnership Government reflects the Government's objective of strengthening parental choice and further expanding diversity in our school system. The desire of parents for diversity in education is primarily being pursued by increasing the number of non-denominational and multi-denominational schools with a view to reaching 400 by 2030. The Government is committed to working with all stakeholders to facilitate this process and I am progressing these matters as a priority.