Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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53. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the extent to which he remains satisfied regarding the adequacy of the school building programme, with particular reference to the demographics and the need to ensure adequate classroom accommodation for the future in all areas throughout the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52007/17]

Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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I am pleased to advise the Deputy that my Department's Capital Programme continues to address the challenge posed by a rapidly increasing school population. To meet this demographic challenge, my Department’s Capital Investment Programme (2016-2021), details the school projects that are being progressed through the architectural planning process towards tender and construction. The Capital Programme also provides for devolved funding for additional classrooms for schools where an immediate enrolment need has been identified or where an additional teacher has been appointed.

Between 2011 and 2019, total enrolments are expected to grow by around 105,000 pupils, circa. 64,000 at primary and circa. 41,000 at post-primary, and will continue to grow until 2025 at post primary level. Growth in enrolments is managed from within existing capacity in the school system and the provision of additional school places.  Since 2012, over 66,000 additional places have been provided by projects completed under the Capital Programmes.  It is anticipated that at least a further 14,000 places will be provided annually over the next two years, bringing the total number of places delivered under the Programmes to almost 100,000 places.  The places provided under the smaller scale additional accommodation scheme will also assist in meeting demographic demand.

There is currently a review underway of the need for school places across our 314 school planning areas, which is expected to identify new needs due to the higher than expected population recorded census.

The Action Plan for Education sets out the Government's ambitions for the Education system, including the commitment contained in the Programme for Government, towards the prioritisation of school educational infrastructure. 

Following the Capital Review, additional capital funding of €332m will be available to the schools sector primarily from 2019 onwards, boosting investment in our primary and post-primary schools infrastructure. This significant investment reflects the priority which government has put on education on delivering on our ambition to deliver a fair society and a strong economy.