Vol. 478 No. 6
145 Mr. Kenneally asked the Minister for Education if she will allow a school (details supplied) in County Waterford to enrol junior and senior infants; if not, the reason; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11904/97]
The boys' primary school in question submitted an application to my Department in 1996 for a change of status under rule 33 of the rules for national schools with a view to enrolling boys at junior infants level. Currently, junior infant boys are enrolled in the local convent school and transfer to the boys' school at first standard. Having considered the matter in detail, my Department rejected the application, particularly in view of the effect such a decision would have on the enrolment and staffing of the convent school. The board of management of the boys' school, having obtained legal advice in the matter, subsequently wrote to my Department requesting a review of the case. The matter is currently under examination and a decision will be conveyed to the board as soon as possible.
