Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 18 May 1993

Vol. 430 No. 8

Written Answers. - Multi-Denominational Education.

Eamon Gilmore

Ceist:

245 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Education if her attention has been drawn to the growing demand by parents for multi-denominational education for their children; and if she will give details of the progress being made by her Department to facilitate the Terenure Multi-denominational School Association in finding a suitable premises from which they can open their school in 1993; and of the assistance being afforded to the Crumlin South City Project School, which is being temporarily accommodated in Stewarts Hospital, to enable the school to obtain a site on which to build a permanent school building.

Minister for Education (Ms Bhreathnach)

I am aware of the growing demand by some parents of multi-denominational education for their children. Where the establishment of further multi-denominational schools represents the wishes of parents, and where such schools can be justified on the basis of demand, my Department will facilitate and support the establishment of such schools on the same terms as those available for the establishment of denominational schools.

With regard to the application from the Terenure Multi-Denominational School Association, the question of securing suitable accommodation for the proposed school is a matter for the association, in the first instance. The association has, within the past week, informed my Department that it is pursuing this aspect and will be contacting my Department again shortly. My Department is actively assisting the school authorities of Crumlin South City Project to acquire permanent accommodation. The usual financial assistance will be made available to the school towards the cost of permanent accommodation.