Vol. 475 No. 5
27 Mr. Browne (Wexford) asked the Minister for Education when she will sanction the Gaelscoil for Enniscorthy, County Wexford which has been in operation for the past two years and is currently funded by local contributions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4632/97]
The Enniscorthy application was one of 14 applications for the recognition of new gaelscoileanna which was examined by my Department in 1996. Nine of these applications were approved. However, a number of applicant schools, including Enniscorthy, could not be given recognition because they were unable to meet the enrolment conditions set down by my Department. If a school is unable to provide sufficient enrolment on opening, its viability in the future must be in doubt. Future viability of new schools is particularly relevant at a time of major decline in primary school enrolments.
However, I have asked my officials to review the Enniscorthy proposal in the context of an undertaking given by me in the House some time ago.
I should mention also, that the Commission on School Accommodation Needs is at present reviewing the criteria for the recognition of new primary schools and I will be giving careful consideration as to how future applications for recognition should be considered in the light of the commission's recommendations.
