Niall Collins (Limerick County, Fianna Fail)
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354. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if she will provide an update on the position of the 26 children in Limerick who did not receive an offer of a secondary school place; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9881/23]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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I wish to inform the Deputy that my Department has been in close engagement with Limerick Education Centre and school patrons and is aware of the evolving situation with respect to first year places in Limerick for September 2023, including the additional places that were being made available across schools in the city to address the school place needs.

My Department is aware that 26 students have not yet received an offer of a place in post primary school in Limerick for September 2023. Schools in Limerick City have already increased their available places by over 100, including 44 additional places made available in recent weeks. It is expected that some students who have been offered places instead accept places in other non-city schools. It is likely that this will free up places that will meet the needs of some or all of the students currently without a place.

Nevertheless, the Department is liaising with patrons and other stakeholders to confirm whether there is a requirement for additional provision for first year places in Limerick City for the 2023/24 school year. The options for addressing any requirements will be considered if such a need is identified. There will be further clarity on this in the coming weeks. Families can be assured that any necessary solution will be delivered so that all of the children currently without a place can be accommodated.