Written answer
School Patronage
595. Deputy Eric Byrne asked the Minister for Education and Skills if she will clarify a situation in regard to a school project (details supplied) in Dublin 6W; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36360/15]
Comment on this
The publicly-stated policy on patronage divesting is to use existing educational infrastructure to facilitate provision of diversity in areas where there is no demographic imperative to establish new schools. My Department can approve start-up divesting schools in commercial properties only where there is reasonable certainty of a school building or State-owned property coming on stream within a one or two-year period of a school start up. My Department is committed to working constructively with patron bodies to move forward the patronage divesting process in all areas, including Dublin 6 and Dublin 6W.