Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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76. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he will allow a school (details supplied) in County Cork to take in three junior infants classes in 2020-21 in view of the fact that a permanent school building is to be provided that will enable the school to be three stream; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45839/19]

Joe McHugh (Donegal, Fine Gael)
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The school referred to by the Deputy is located in interim accommodation pending delivery of its permanent accommodation as part of my Department's Design and Build Programme.

In an interim situation it is not possible to provide the same level of accommodation which will be delivered as permanent accommodation. This may mean that the schools intake in its first few years of operation will by necessity be less than would be possible in permanent accommodation. Therefore in this instance my Department will not allow the school concerned to take in three junior infant classes in 2020/21.

My Department's main priority is to ensure that all pupils have access to a school place, however, this may not always result in a school place of first choice. A range of factors including parental choice, school location and commuting patterns can contribute to oversubscription of certain schools within an area.