Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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50. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if a new gaelcholáiste will be opened in an area (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26440/24]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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Regarding plans for increasing Irish-medium school places in the South Dublin area, which encompasses the Dublin 2, 4, 6 and 8 areas, it should be noted that the year of establishment, patronage model and language of instruction have yet to be determined for the new post-primary schools announced to serve the following school planning areas in the general South Dublin area: Dublin 2_Dublin 4 and Sallynoggin_Killiney_DLR/Cherrywood.

A key element of the planning for Irish-medium post-primary provision is the existing and planned enrolment for gaelscoileanna in the area, with a view to identifying oncoming needs for post-primary Irish-medium provision which may not be catered for by the existing gaelcholáistí in the area.

While it is expected that the existing gaelcholáistí in the general South Dublin area between them have sufficient school places to accommodate demand in the short term, given the number of new gaelscoileanna which have opened in recent years or are planned to open in this area, my Department is keeping the position under active review as these schools grow and the number of sixth class pupils in gaelscoileanna increases.