THE DEPARTMENT OF Education expects there to be 70,000 extra primary school students by 2019 – but the Minister insists the system will be able to cope.

Responding to a question from Fine Gael TD for Kildare Bernard Durkan, Education Minister Ruairí Quinn said that the government expects an extra 70,000 primary school students and half of that in secondary schools.

However, Quinn says that the number will be catered for, despite increases expected until around 2026.

“In June 2011, I announced the provision of 20 new primary schools and some 20 new post-primary schools up to 2017 to meet demographic need. Some of these schools have commenced operation with the remainder will be commencing by 2016.

“In addition, the delivery of major school projects to meet significant demographic demands nationally will be the main focus for capital investment in schools in the coming years. The Five Year Plan is focused on meeting those demographic needs and sets out the school projects that are planned to proceed to construction over the duration of the Plan.

“My Department will also consider applications from schools for funding for additional classrooms where an immediate enrolment need is arising.”

Quinn said that the department will continue to monitor the situation.

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