Vol. 565 No. 4
78 Dr. Cowley asked the Minister for Education and Science where the new multi-denominational school in Ballina, County Mayo is going to be situated; the Government funding that it will be receiving; the number of pupils expected to be enrolled; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11173/03]
Based on the recommendations of the commission on school accommodation, I have put in place a revised application procedure for new national schools seeking official recognition. The revised procedure applies to schools intending to commence operation from 1 September 2003, onwards. As part of this new arrangement applications for new schools will be assessed by a new schools advisory committee which will consult with interested parties and report to me. An application for a new multi-denominational school in Ballina, is one of a number of applications for recognition which have been assessed by the new schools advisory committee. The outcome of the committee's deliberations on all applications, including Ballina, is currently being considered in my Department. It is my intention to notify each applicant of my decision in their case by 30 April 2003.
