Vol. 566 No. 1
366 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Science if an application has been received by his Department from the North East Mayo Educate Together Association, Ballina, County Mayo, regarding the setting up of a multi-denominational school in the area; if he has examined this application; if a decision has been made regarding funding to be made available for the setting up of this school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12217/03]
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 have been assessed by a new schools advisory committee, which has consulted with interested parties and reported to me.
An application from North East Mayo Educate Together Association for a new school in Ballina, County Mayo, is one of a number of applications for recognition which has been assessed by the committee. I am currently considering the outcome of their deliberations in each case. It is my intention to notify each applicant of my decision in their case shortly.
367 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason representatives of his Department have failed to initiate negotiations with Fingal County Council regarding the local site designated for Donabate-Portrane Educate Together national school, which has been in rented accommodation since September 2002; and whether his Department has any plans to meet with Fingal County Council on this issue. [12362/03]
The position is that Donabate-Portrane Educate Together national school was granted provisional recognition in September 2002. The school authorities were advised that the question of permanent recognition would be considered when the Department was satisfied that long-term viability had been demonstrated and that the school was operating in accordance with the rules for national schools. Until such time as permanent recognition is granted to the school, my Department will not consider the purchase of a site to permanently accommodate the school. If and when permanent recognition is granted, budgetary factors will then determine the rate of progress on the acquisition of a site and on the delivery of permanent accommodation for the school.
