asked the Minister for Education the proposals she has for assisting the formation of multidenominational schools at primary and secondary level; the number of such schools now in existence; the number of such schools being processed by her Department; the state of such discussions and their likely conclusion; and the total State expenditure on denominational and non-denominational schools at primary and secondary level.
Written Answers. - Multidenominational Schools.
88.
In relation to the establishment of multidenominational schools at primary level the policy is that where my Department are satisfied that the establishment of such schools represents the clear wishes of parents in an area and where they can be provided on a viable basis, support will be given to their development on the same terms as those which would be available for the establishment of schools under denominational patronage. There are three multidenominational primary schools in operation at present. Five applications for new schools are under consideration. It is not possible at this stage to anticipate the likely decision in each case.
Where the need for a new post primary school in an area has been established, my Department will consider any specific submission that such a school be multidenominational in character. My Department have no such specific proposals before them at present.
With regard to the number of multidenominational schools in existence, or planned, and the total State expenditure on denominational and non-denominational schools, I am not in a position to give this information to the Deputy since records are not maintained on this basis in my Department.