Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 20 May 2026
148. Deputy Jen Cummins asked the Minister for Education and Youth if her plan is not to open any more new schools in the next five years, if she will outline her plans to increase the number of multi-denominational schools. [38161/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraDemographic requirements in an area determine the need or otherwise for establishing new schools. While there are no new primary schools planned currently (other than new special schools), this position is kept under constant review by my department. It is not therefore possible to be definitive at this stage on the need, or otherwise, for new schools over the next 5 years - it is just that there are none planned currently.
The pace and scale of housing rollout in an area determines local demographic requirements. The department’s approach is to manage this in the first instance through maximising existing capacity at existing schools and expanding them where needed. If this approach is insufficient to meet demographic requirements then consideration is given to establishing a new school. However, it is worth noting that the general direction of travel on overall enrolments is downward and this creates significant capacity within existing schools to absorb increased demographics arising from housing rollout in most areas.
My department keeps the position under constant review and liaises closely with local authorities on plans for housing development so that the school provision requirements can be planned.
The Programme for Government commits to seeking to increase choice for parents by ensuring that families can access both multi/non-denominational and faith-based education.
The schools reconfiguration process, supporting transfers of schools to multi-denominational patrons in response to the wishes of local communities, has been developed in order to meet demand from parents and to accelerate the delivery of multi-denominational schools.
My department’s Primary School Survey will help to identify demand for multi-denominational provision at individual school level.
