Ruth Coppinger (Dublin West, Solidarity)
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47. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if she will ensure that there is provision of a multigendered and multidenominational secondary school in the Ashtown and Pelletstown areas of Dublin 7; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8535/25]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy will be aware, the Programme for Government commits to seeking to increase choice for parents by ensuring that families can access both Multi or non-denominational and faith based education.

Since 2011, new arrangements have been in place for the establishment of new schools involving the forecasting of demand for school places based on demographic exercises carried out by the department. The new criterion for new school entities ensures that all new schools are co-educational, but ethos is is determined during the patronage process.

These arrangements give an opportunity to patrons to apply for the patronage of new schools. The criteria used in deciding on the patronage of new schools place a particular emphasis on parental preference and language preferences and an analysis of existing provision in the areas where the schools are being established. This approach is underpinned by a 2011 Government decision.

The patronage process is open to all patron bodies and prospective patrons. An Online Patronage Process System (OPPS) has been in operation under the Department since 2018 and provides objective information to parents in the relevant school planning areas to assist them in making an informed choice about their preferred model of patronage and language of instruction for the new school.

New schools are only established in areas of demographic growth as the resources available for school infrastructure must be prioritised to meet the needs of areas of significant population increase to ensure that every child has a school place.

Based on demographic analysis undertaken, it is deemed that there is not a sufficient unmet demand in the Ashtown/Pelletstown area to establish a new post primary school.

Any future shortfall in capacity required to meet the demand for post primary schools can be catered for in the existing post primary schools.

Requirements for school places will be kept under ongoing review in this region and across the country.