Secondary schools in Dublin 8
Deputy Costello said Dublin 8 lacks adequate secondary school places and asked what Government will do. The Minister of State said school planning and demographics are being monitored and she would bring the issue to the Minister and Department.
Academic research has shown a significant lack of access to secondary schools in Dublin 8. The Department of Education's figures show significant under-provision in the area. To date, the Department has not been willing to address this matter despite my raising it with it on numerous occasions. What will the Government do to ensure adequate provision of secondary schools in the Dublin 8 area, which is crying out for them?
Comment on this
I thank the Deputy for his question. There are approximately 214 school planning areas in the country. The Department uses a geographical information system in order to determine capacity and where schools are required. It also monitors the increasing demographics in certain areas. We are acutely aware of the challenges relating to Dublin 8, including an increasing demographic. I will bring the matter to the attention of the Minister, Deputy Foley, and the Department. It can be taken further from there.