Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 1 Jul 1998

Vol. 493 No. 4

Written Answers. - School Recognition.

Noel Ahern

Question:

189 Mr. N. Ahern asked the Minister for Education and Science the situation in relation to Scoil Paipin Naofa, Santry, Dublin 9; the current and estimated student number for 1998-99 for this school; and if the school's status and the position of the two teachers is secure. [16520/98]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. Martin)

Scoil Phapain Naofa is an all-Irish primary school established in September 1993 with temporary recognition from my Department. This status was subsequently extended to the end of the 1997-98 school year. The purpose of temporary recognition is to enable a school to demonstrate over a period time that it has a viable future and that it is being conducted in accordance with the Rules of National Schools.

On 19 June 1998, there were 25 pupils in the school, showing a drop of nine when compared to the 34 pupils enrolled at the beginning of the school year. The intake of junior infants has not exceeded four in any of the last three years.

The future of the school was recently reviewed in the planning section of my Department. This review concluded that the school did not have the solid intake base at infant level necessary for development, that the school had failed to demonstrate viability and was unlikely to do so in the future. Accordingly, the school was notified by letter on 29 May last that it was intended to withdraw recognition and grants from the school with effect from the end of the current school year. The principal teacher at the school was advised to approach the patrons of the three main panels which operate in the Dublin area with a view to having her name placed on an appropriate panel for redeployment. The first assistant teacher at the school was employed in a temporary capacity. This teacher's contract has now expired.