Gary Gannon (Dublin Central, Social Democrats)
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466. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the breakdown of the 280 primary and 125 post-primary schools using, or partially using, rented accommodation by area and patronage. [14504/20]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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Of the 3,963 schools (3,240 primary and 723 post-primary) in the State, 405 schools (280 primary and 125 post-primary) are currently using or partially using rented accommodation. The breakdown, by County, is contained in the following table. In relation to the breakdown by Patronage, this information is not held in the format requested.

I wish to advise the Deputy that, within the context of a rapidly increasing school population, my Department's priority is to ensure that every child will have access to a physical school place. In this regard, it is sometimes necessary to make use of rented temporary accommodation in order to meet the accommodation needs of schools.

Furthermore, it may also be necessary to make use of temporary rented accommodation when an immediate or short term need arises. For example, a school may require a temporary building in circumstances where a major school construction project is planned. Such temporary accommodation is removed when the major project concerned is completed. The length of time it is necessary to make use of temporary rented accommodation will vary from project to project.

My Department is taking an integrated approach with the Prefab Replacement Programme through the replacement of prefabricated units as part of large-scale and devolved projects, or as part of new projects approved under the Additional School Accommodation scheme.

Breakdown of schools by County