Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 12 May 1998

Vol. 490 No. 7

Written Answers. - School Accommodation.

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. Martin)

I will continue to facilitate the establishment of all-Irish and multi-denominational schools in areas where a demand for such educational facilities is demonstrated, and where no similar provision exists within a reasonable distance.

In that regard, I will be informed by the recommendations of the Commission on School Accommodation Needs, which is considering the matter at present. The remit of the commission is to identify appropriate criteria to determine how best to establish the level of need for additional primary school provision, including all-Irish and multi-denominational schools, and, once established, what the most appropriate response should be.

The commission is representative of all the education partners and each nominee, including those from the all-Irish and multi-denominational school sectors, has a crucial role in determining the nature of the recommendations which will be submitted to me.

I assure the Deputy that I will give very careful consideration to the commission's proposals and, in that regard, I will take full account of the progress to date in accommodating diversity of provision within our education system.