Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 11 December 2012
157. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will report on the progress made to date on the move towards permanent recognition of a school (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55087/12]
View answerIn the case of the school, referred to by the Deputy, provisional recognition was initially awarded to the school in 2008 and has been extended year on year since. A process is in place under which the school's application for permanent recognition is being actively considered. This process is based on undertakings committed to by the school in 2007. The undertakings reflect the standard criteria applicable to the recognition of all primary schools and they require a satisfactory level of compliance from the school in respect of each criterion. Officials from my Department met with the school concerned in September 2012 and have since confirmed in writing that the school's provisional recognition has been extended for three years to 31 August 2015. This extension will allow the school the time necessary to progress the implementation of the changes in practice required to comply with the undertakings recommitted to by the school. This extension of the school's provisional recognition will not impede the school being granted permanent recognition within that period if the criteria for recognition are satisfactorily met.
