Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 12 December 2006
455 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Education and Science the position of an application by a school (details supplied) in County Kildare for permanent recognition; when a final decision will be made in regard to the matter; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42385/06]
View answerThe school to which the Deputy refers opened with provisional recognition from the Department in September 2004. The school is required to complete a minimum period of three years in this mode, during which time it must demonstrate its viability and that it is operating in accordance with the Rules and Programme for Secondary Schools. The matter of permanent recognition can be considered when this period has expired.
456 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of applications with her Department by schools seeking permanent recognition status; the period of time that each application is with her; the average period of time that such an application takes for a decision to be made; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42386/06]
View answerThe information as sought by the Deputy is not readily available. However, all new schools commence operation with provisional recognition and are generally required to complete a period of three years in this mode. Four main areas are examined in determining permanent recognition as follows:
1. The school must be operating in accordance with the Rules for National/Secondary Schools.
2. The school must have determined its viability in terms of enrolment.
3. The school's accommodation must be deemed suitable to meet its needs for the short/medium term.
4. The school is meeting a need which is not already being met by existing schools.
Many new schools in rapidly developing areas have received permanent recognition status in less than 3 years.
457 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Education and Science her views in regard to the need for or the provision of a secondary school (details supplied) in County Kildare; the meetings she has had or has planned to meet interested groups of boards of management in regard to the matter; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42387/06]
View answerThe school to which the Deputy refers opened with provisional recognition from the Department in September 2004. The school is required to complete a minimum period of three years in this mode, during which time it must demonstrate its viability and that it is operating in accordance with the Rules and Programme for Secondary Schools. The matter of permanent recognition can be considered when this period has expired.
