Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 15 January 2026
352. Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Education and Youth to provide further funding for a school (details supplied) to provide resources for an additional class in the coming school year of 2026/2027; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3244/26]
View answerIn order to plan for school provision and analyse the relevant demographic data, my department divides the country into 314 school planning areas and uses a geographical information system, using data from a range of sources, including CSO census data, child benefit and school enrolment data, to identify where the pressure for school places across the country will arise and where additional school accommodation is needed at primary and post-primary level.
While my department is aware of enrolment pressures and demand for additional school places in some areas, it is important to note that enrolment pressures can be driven by duplications of applications, applications from outside an area, and school of choice factors. Notwithstanding the above, in some areas, demographic pressures and other factors are driving a requirement for additional school places.
My Department's main responsibility is to ensure that schools in an area can, between them, cater for all pupils seeking school places in the area. In relation to school admissions, it is the responsibility of the managerial authorities of all schools to implement an enrolment policy in accordance with the Education Act, 1998.
The demand for post primary school places in the school planning area referred to by the deputy are reducing and are projected to continue to reduce. My department is not aware of any pressure for places for 2026/27 but will continue to monitor this school planning area with regard to any requirements for the provision of additional places.
