Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 11 Jun 1998

Vol. 492 No. 3

Written Answers. - Early Childhood Education.

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

76 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will grant recognition to the Steiner pre-school and primary school system; if his attention has been drawn to the difficulties being experienced by parents of children attending these schools in trying to maintain them without State support; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13895/98]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. Martin)

The position generally regarding early childhood education is that the National Forum on Early Childhood Education was held last March, in Dublin Castle. The report from the forum is expected shortly and I will then proceed to produce a White Paper in the matter.

There are two Steiner primary schools in operation, Cooleenbridge school in County Clare and the Dublin Rudolf Steiner school. Both schools applied for recognition and following consideration of the application my predecessor decided, in February 1995, to refuse to grant recognition to the schools. This refusal is now the subject of judicial review proceedings. As the question of recognition will be the subject of a High Court action later in the year, I do not propose to make further comment at this stage.