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Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 15 Nov 2001

Vol. 544 No. 2

Written Answers. - Multi-Denominational Schools.

Michael Bell

Question:

54 Mr. Bell asked the Minister for Education and Science his Department's policy regarding the purchase of new school sites; the reasons multi-denominational schools are required to pay for temporary accommodation before being recognised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28223/01]

The purchase of new school sites is underpinned by a thorough assessment of the need for new educational facilities at primary or post primary level in any given area. The process takes account of all relevant factors, including enrolment and demographic trends, housing developments and the type and extent of existing school provision serving the area.

As part of the process, my Department monitors county development plans and area action plans and meets with local authorities as required to establish the location, scale and pace of major housing developments. An assessment is carried out of the likely implications of such developments in relation to the capacity of any existing schools and, where appropriate, the local authority is requested to reserve a site for educational purposes. Such reservations may ultimately result in the acquisition of the site and the development of a school or schools.
Where such development is considered necessary, arrangements are made by my Department to acquire the site. Purchase is subject to the availability of funding and the priority to be accorded to the project. In addition, my Department must be fully satisfied that a school's long-term viability is assured and permanent recognition must have been granted. In general, the property management section of the Office of Public Works acts as my Department's agent in that regard. However, the option is available for patrons to purchase sites, should they so wish.
In most cases, schools must undergo a period of provisional recognition, during which the operation of the school and the growth of pupil numbers are monitored. During that period, it is the responsibility of the school patron to provide interim accommodation. This accommodation must be capable of fully meeting the needs of the developing school until permanent recognition has been secured and the Department is in a position to acquire a site and provide a permanent school building.
The patron must ensure that interim accommodation complies fully with local authority planning, building, fire and health and safety regulations. Such accommodation should also be in good repair, adequately furnished, have satisfactory sanitary facilities and be suitable for educational use. My Department grant aids the rental cost of such temporary accommodation at the rate of 75% for schools having provisional recognition and at the rate of 95% for schools with permanent recognition. These arrangements apply equally to schools under all categories of patronage.
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