asked the Minister for Education if she will make a statement on her attitude to the provision of multidenominational education at primary level.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Multidenominational Education.
7.
I am very interested in regard to the Deputy's question on primary education and have in fact visited six of the seven multidenominational schools. Applications for the recognition of multidenominational primary schools are considered on their merits in accordance with the prescribed criteria. These mainly relate to the ability of the applicants to establish that the demand for multidenominational education in their area is large enough to maintain a viable school.
Since my appointment as Minister I have had a number of meetings with the management and authorities of the individual schools to discuss topics of mutual interest. I have also arranged a meeting with Educate Together, the umbrella group of the multidenominational schools, for Tuesday, 20 December.
(Limerick East): There are a number of supplementary questions I would like to ask. I would ask the Minister to tell us if, when she comes to evaluate the viability of multidenominational schools in an area, she takes into account the fact that other schools might be made non-viable through the opening of an alternative school? Secondly, can the Minister tell us if the staffing ratios which are applied to Protestant primary schools in the country are different to those which apply to multidenominational schools and if it is her intention to apply these staffing ratios to multidenominational schools? Thirdly, if I may link this with the previous questions, would the Minister consider applying the same regime to scoileanna lán-Gaeilge?
That is an extension of the question.
In relation to the Deputy's first question as to whether the Department take into account the viability of adjoining primary schools when a multidenominational school is being established, all such matters are looked at just as they are considered when any new primary school is being established. The effect of establishing a new primary school on other schools would be examined and parental interest for such a school would also be looked at. It is only when a school has been established in temporary premises that the Department are in a position to project what its ultimate size will be and what provision should be made for it in State aided accommodation. As I have said, there are seven such schools at present with a few more in the pipeline. In regard to the Deputy's question on staffing levels, I will have that information furnished to him as I do not have it on hand.
In relation to applications to establish multidenominational schools, the people who seek to establish the schools are doing so by way of having a separate form of education to denominational education. May I take it from the Minister's reply, and I want to be very clear about this, that the falling numbers of enrolments within denominational education will be used as a criterion to impede the establishment of a multidenominational option at primary level?
Absolutely not.
I am grateful for the Minister's assurance.