Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 31 Oct 1996

Vol. 470 No. 8

Written Answers. - School Accommodation.

Helen Keogh

Question:

103 Ms Keogh asked the Minister for Education the steps, if any, she intends to take to ensure that the Crumlin multi-denominational school, Dublin 12, acquires a permanent premises; her views on whether children have the right of choice of a multi-denominational school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20149/96]

Minister for Education (Ms Bhreathnach)

The Crumlin multi-denominational school was given recognition from September 1994. This is the third year of operation and the current enrolment is 30 pupils. The school has been asked to vacate its current temporary accommodation.

As with all new multi-denominational or all-Irish schools, initial recognition was granted to the Crumlin school on a provisional basis. When such schools have been in operation for a number of years and can satisfy my Department with regard to their conduct and future viability, permanent recognition may be granted.

During the period of temporary recognition, it is the responsibility of school management to provide temporary premises to house the school. It is only when permanent recognition has been granted that such schools claim capital grant-aid from my Department. Crumlin multi-denominational school has temporary recognition at present and, accordingly, does not qualify for grant-aid for capital works.

The school has applied for permanent recognition and this application is being processed by my Department at present as a matter of urgency. Officials from my Department met with a deputation from the management of the school and Educate Together on 16 October 1996 to discuss the issues. The views put forward by the deputation will be taken into account in the examination of the application for permanent recognition.

I can assure the Deputy that there will be no undue delay in processing the application and that the accommodation problem will be reviewed immediately in the light of that decision.