Vol. 567 No. 5
260 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Education and Science if permanent recognition will be granted to the multi-denominational school at Collis-Sandes, Tralee, County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14707/03]
The position is that Tralee Educate Together national school, Collis-Sandes, was granted provisional recognition in September 2002. The school authorities were advised at the time 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.
I should explain that under the enrolment criteria for the recognition of new schools there is a requirement for a guaranteed initial enrolment of 17 junior infants and a minimum projected enrolment of 51 pupils for third year of operation. On the basis that the junior infant enrolment figure in Tralee Educate Together NS last September was only 14, the school does not satisfy the criteria for recognition of new schools. My Department is however disposed to the continued recognition of the school once the required enrolment criteria are met. In this context, and in accordance with the provisions of section 11 of the Education Act 1998, the school authorities were invited to submit to the planning section of my Department, any representations made by the board, the patron, the teachers or the parents in support of the school. A response has been received from the school principal which will be considered together with any other representations received in my Department in this regard.
A decision on the continued recognition of Tralee Educate Together NS beyond June 2004, will be made and notified to the school authorities by the end of June 2003.
