Trevor Sargent
Question:109 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Education the changes, if any, that are required in the Steiner School system to allow them to qualify for capitation grants. [3940/96]
Written Answers. - Steiner School Grants.
There is no provision in the existing primary school system for payment of grants of any kind to primary schools that are not recognised national schools. In order to merit recognition as national schools it would be necessary for Steiner schools to meet certain criteria in regard to staffing, curriculum, access and accommodation. It would also be necessary to demonstrate that there is a need for a national school in the locality in question. There would also be requirements regarding the structure of the board of management and the length of the school day and school year.
All teachers would have to be qualified to teach in a national school. The curriculum would need to be broadly similar to the official curriculum for national schools and include the teaching of Irish as an obligatory subject. School accommodation would have to meet official standards and pupils could not be charged fees of any kind as a condition of enrolment. Recognised schools are also open to inspection by the Department's Inspectorate.