Vol. 469 No. 7
114 Ms Keogh asked the Minister for Education the support, if any, her Department has made available to Educate Together, the co-ordinating committee for multi-denominational schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18055/96]
A scheme was introduced by my Department in 1993 whereby school management representative bodies, including Educate Together, are grant-aided to assist them in meeting the cost of items such as mail issues, publications, and organisation of seminars and meetings.
115 Ms Keogh asked the Minister for Education the response, if any, she has made to the appeal from Educate Together to assist Crumlin multi-denominational school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18056/96]
The Crumlin multi-denominational school was given recognition from September, 1994. This is its third school year of operation and the current enrolment is 30 pupils. The school has been asked to vacate its current temporary accommodation.
As with all new multidenominational or all-Irish schools, initial recognition was granted to the Crumlin school on a provisional basis. When such schools have been in operation for a number of years and can satisfy my Department with regard to their conduct and future viability, permanent recognition may be granted. During the period of temporary recognition it is the responsibility of school management to provide temporary premises to house the school. It is only when permanent recognition has been granted that such schools can claim capital grant aid from my Department.
Crumlin multidenominational school has temporary recognition at present and accordingly does not qualify for grant-aid for capital work. The school has applied for permanent recognition and this is being processed by my Department at present. Officials from my Department have arranged to meet with the management of the school on Wednesday, 16 October 1996 to discuss the issues.
