Vol. 501 No. 5
133 Mr. Higgins (Dublin West) asked the Minister for Education and Science the procedures necessary to change the status of a primary school from a denominational to a multi-denominational or a non-denominational school. [6546/99]
In order to change the status of an existing denominational school to a multi-denominational school, consultations would need to take place with the patron, owners, trustees, board of management, parents and teachers of the school and agreement reached in the matter. This agreement would need to provide for the continued availability of the school building for school use.
The approval of my Department for a change of status would also be required. The applicants would have to satisfy my Department in such matters as the acceptability of the proposed patron and management structure of the new school, the need for the facility having regard to existing similar provision in the general area, if any, and the longer-term viability of the school with regard to pupil potential. I should point out, also, that there are no State-recognised non-denominational schools at present.
