Ruth Coppinger (Dublin West, Solidarity)
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156. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the patronage of the 26 new primary and 12 new secondary schools announced recently; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17259/18]

Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy will be aware, I announced plans for the establishment of 42 new schools over the next four years (2019 to 2022). This announcement follows nationwide, demographic exercises carried out by my Department into the future need for primary and post-primary schools across the country and the 4-year horizon will enable increased lead-in times for planning and delivery of the necessary infrastructure.

With regard to demand for particular models of school provision, it should be noted that the patronage process for new schools is a separate process.  This process is run after it has been decided that a new school is required.  Parental preferences are central to this process. The process is fair, transparent and open to all patrons, patron bodies and prospective patrons to apply for patronage of any planned new school under this process.

The patronage process for new schools is overseen by an external independent advisory group, the New Schools Establishment Group (NSEG).  Following their consideration of my Department’s assessment reports, the NSEG submits a report with recommendations to me for consideration and final decision.  The assessment reports and the NSEG recommendations for all such patronage processes are made available on my Department's website.