Emer Currie (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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19. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills for an update on the implementation of a common application process for secondary schools in Dublin 15. [8503/25]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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My Department has a very significant capital programme that is providing additional capacity around the country, underpinned by a robust forward planning process. Since 2020, my Department has invested over €5.7 billion in our schools, involving the completion of over 1,150 school building projects. Additionally, my officials work very closely with schools and patrons to ensure that there are sufficient places available each year. Good data-sharing between schools and my department is critical to this process.

The Education (Admission to Schools) Act 2018, is an important piece of legislation which has introduced a more parent-friendly, equitable and consistent approach to how school admissions policy operates for the almost 4,000 primary and post-primary schools. Under this legislation, schools manage the enrolment of around 140,000 children into Junior Infants and First Year every year and this runs smoothly in most cases. However, I am acutely aware that there can be stresses for families when there is high demand for places in an area or in a particular school.

It is in that context that the Programme for Government sets out a commitment to roll out a nationwide common application system to reduce stress on parents and students during application periods. Common application systems are in place in a small number of specific areas, such as at post primary level in Limerick and Ennis, and for primary special classes in Dublin 15. There are a lot of benefits to the system, particularly in terms of identifying capacity pressures at an early point and avoiding duplication on waiting lists.

Learnings from the implementation of these systems will inform the way forward to deliver on the Programme for Government commitment, including for post primary level in Dublin 15.

Mark Ward (Dublin Mid West, Sinn Fein)
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20. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if there are plans to increase the number of secondary school places in Dublin mid-west; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6635/25]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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I can assure the Deputy that the provision of school places to meet the needs of children and young people at primary and post primary level, including children and young people with special educational needs is an absolute priority for the Department of Education.

Since 2020, my department has invested over €1.341 billion in school infrastructure in Dublin. This significant capital investment includes a number of recently delivered new school building projects.

With respect to post primary school places in Dublin Mid-West, there was a surplus of first year places available for the 2024/25 school year with circa 8% of available first year places not being filled. It is expected that there will be a similar surplus for the 2025/26 school year.

Nonetheless, I am aware that there can be pressures where there is high demand in an area or for a particular school. In that context my Department has put in place a number of measures to support post-primary schools in managing and effectively coordinating their admissions processes including enhancements to the IT systems for registering enrolments, and continuing the data-sharing arrangements with schools in areas of enrolment pressure including Dublin Mid-West.

The sharing of this data has been very effective in the identification of school place requirements. In the majority of areas, through the work of schools, patrons, management bodies and the department, there are sufficient school places available to meet the needs of children in the area. The Department is working with schools to ensure there are sufficient places for all who require a place for 2025. Further additional provision will be made where a need is identified.