Vol. 474 No. 3
155 Ms Keogh asked the Minister for Education the number of pupils which are required for grant recognition to a new denominational school; and the number of these pupils required to be junior infant pupils attending school for the first time. [2797/97]
The main criteria to be met for the granting of recognition to a new denominational school is that prospective pupils will be available in sufficient numbers to establish and maintain a viable school and that appropriate religious instruction is not available, in the particular denomination involved, in existing schools within a reasonable distance. At present, no minimum level of overall enrolment, or of junior infant enrolment, is specified for the granting of official recognition. The overriding requirement is that the prospective school can demonstrate sufficient growth potential to ensure long-term viability.
In view of the significant demographic decline, 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. The commission will be commencing this task shortly. I will consider how the criteria applicable to all new schools should be developed or altered in the light of the commission's recommendations.
