Lucan multi-denominational school opened, with temporary recognition, in September 1997. The purpose of temporary recognition is to enable the school to demonstrate over a period of some years that it has a viable future. During that period, the onus is on the school management to provide temporary accommodation for the school.
The granting of permanent recognition would be considered when the school has been in operation for a number of years. In the absence of such recognition, the Rules for National Schools preclude the payment of capital grants towards the provision of school accommodation. Accordingly, my Department is not in a position to pursue the acquisition of a site or the provision of a new school building at this stage.
Criteria for the recognition of all categories of national schools, including multi-denominational schools, and related matters such as funding, were the subject of a review carried out by a technical working group of the Commission on School Accommodation Needs. This report will be considered by the commission's steering group which will prepare its own set of recommendations. Current policy in relation to the recognition of national schools and their funding will be re-examined in the light of the commission's recommendations.
