Vol. 522 No. 4
271 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will report on the application from Swords Educate Together, County Dublin, in respect of its intention to set up a school in Swords, County Dublin; if he will agree to give permanent recognition to the group; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18938/00]
A formal application for the recognition of a multi-denominational school in Swords, County Dublin, was submitted to my Department earlier this year. This application was being processed in my Department until recently, when the promoters of the school indicated that, because of difficulties in securing suitable temporary accommodation, it had been decided to postpone the opening of the school to September 2001.
However, the promoters contacted my Department again yesterday, 28 June 2000, to say that a site had been identified on which it is proposed to locate prefabricated accommodation.
In the light of this latest development, my Department will renew its consideration of the application. It will be necessary, among other things, to assess the suitability of the proposed site once the promoters have furnished the relevant details. In the event that the site is suitable, the promoters will be required to obtain planning permission for the temporary accommodation. In the circumstances, it is very unlikely at this stage that all necessary arrangements will be in place to enable the school to commence operation next September.
Before I can consider granting permanent recognition, I must be satisfied that, among other things, the school is likely to have a viable future.
