Phil Hogan
Ceist:21 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Education if she will review the funding of multi-denominational primary schools in line with the recommendation in the Green Paper on Education; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Multi-denominational Primary Schools.
The Green Paper —"Education for A Changing World"— stated that where the establishment of multi-denominational schools represents the wishes of the parents, and where such schools can be justified on the basis of demand, the Department of Education will facilitate and support the establishment of such schools on the same terms as those available for the establishment of denominational schools. I am committed to that policy.
The practice has been that capital funds for the provision of a multi-denominational school, or an all-Irish school, have not been provided unless it is shown that there is sufficient demand to support a viable school and that the demand is likely to be permanent. In the case of such schools there is a period of provisional recognition during which time the school proves itself.
When my Department is satisfied of the likely permanent nature of a multi-denominational school, that school is eligible for capital funding on the same basis as other national schools. I am aware that this particular practice has created difficulties for those wishing to establish multi-denominational schools as does the necessity for them to provide the sites for the schools.
These issues were addressed in the recent report of the National Education Convention. The report made a number of recommendations in this regard and these will be examined by my Department.
In the case of grants to meet the running costs of schools multi-denominational schools are treated in the same way as the generality of national schools.
The Green Paper suggested a review of the current funding for all schools, including multi-denominational primary schools. This matter is being considered in the context of the forthcoming White Paper on Education.