Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 3 Dec 1996

Vol. 472 No. 3

Written Answers. - Recognition of Schools.

Mary Coughlan

Question:

145 Miss Coughlan asked the Minister for Education the criteria for granting recognition to new denominational parish schools, special schools, multi-denominational schools and schools teaching through the medium of Irish, gaelscoileanna; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23075/96]

Minister for Education (Ms Bhreathnach)

The main criteria to be met for granting recognition to any category of new primary school are that there is a need for the proposed school, having regard to existing provision in the general area concerned, and that prospective pupils will be available in sufficient numbers to establish and maintain a viable school. In more recent years, the majority of new primary schools recognised by my Department have been either gaelscoileanna or multi-denominational schools.

Consideration is given to the establishment of special schools having regard to the level of assessed need and of existing special provision in the relevant area. In addition, the appropriateness of making segregated provision, as distinct from integrated provision in an existing mainstream school, would need to be carefully considered in each case.

In relation to all new schools, there is also a requirement to have a suitable patron body and board of management to administer the school in accordance with my Department's rules for national schools.

In the light of demographic decline, which is already very evident at primary level, my concern to ensure the viability of all applicant schools has increased considerably. This was a major factor in my decision to establish the commission on school accommodation needs, whose task it will be to draw up detailed criteria for the recognition of new primary schools. I will consider if new or revised conditions are required with regard to the recognition of new schools in the light of the commission's recommendations.