The Crumlin multi-denominational school had its origins in another multi-denominational school, the South City School Project, which up to March, 1993 was based in surplus school accommodation in the Crumlin area. In March 1993, however, this building was destroyed by fire and the school project was eventually relocated in alternative school accommodation in Nutgrove, Rath-farnham. Because the decision to move to Rathfarnham was not acceptable to some parents, an application for a new multi-denominational school to serve the greater Crumlin area was submitted to my Department.
Temporary recognition was given to the new school, the Crumlin multi-denominational school, with effect from September 1994. It is now in its third school year of operation at present and has an enrolment of 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 temporary 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.
While the school is operating with temporary recognition, it is the responsibility, under my Department's regulations, of school management to provide temporary accommodation under the present rules of my Department. It is only when permanent recognition has been granted that such schools can 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 as a matter of urgency. Officials from my Department met 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.
As in the case of all national schools with temporary recognition, future viability is a key consideration when decisions with regard to permanent status are being taken. The growth potential of such schools must be closely examined at a time when overall pupil numbers at primary level are falling at a rate of 11,000 per annum.
I assure the Deputy that there will be no undue delay in processing this application and that the accommodation problem will be reviewed immediately in the light of that decision.