There are currently 28 Educate Together schools officially recognised by my Department. Grant aid is provided to the respective primary school management bodies to defray costs incurred in the running of their organisations. These costs can include mail issues to boards of management, the organisation of seminars and meetings, the commissioning of research and other miscellaneous expenses.
In 2002, the Department provided grant aid of €39,800 to Educate Together under this scheme. A grant for the same amount, €39,800, issued to Educate Together in respect of 2003 in May. In regard to the accommodation difficulties facing Donabate-Portrane Educate Together national school, the Deputy may be aware that the board of management made a proposal to my Department, which would involve the lease or purchase of a site reserved for educational purposes, from Fingal County Council in order to house the school in temporary accommodation on the site.
The school was granted provisional recognition in September 2002. The school authorities were advised at that 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.
Until such time as permanent recognition is granted to the school, my Department will not consider purchasing 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.
