Ben Briscoe
Ceist:196 Mr. Briscoe asked the Minister for Education the criteria to be satisfied before permanent recognition is granted to a school. [22427/96]
Written Answers. - Recognition of Schools.
The main criteria to be met for the granting of permanent recognition are that the school can clearly demonstrate that there is sufficient pupil demand to ensure its long-term viability and that it is being conducted in accordance with my Department's rules.
All new multi-denominational primary schools and all-Irish schools, both primary and post-primary, are initially recognised by my Department on a temporary basis. The period of temporary recognition of a school is a trial period during which its general operation and future viability can be assessed. When my Department is satisfied that a school has a viable future and is being conducted in accordance with the rules, full recognition may be granted.
More recently, however, as a result of significant demographic decline which is already evident at primary level, my concern to ensure the viability of all applicant schools has increased considerably. This was a major factor in my decision to establish the commission on school accommodation needs, whose task it will be to draw up detailed criteria for the recognition of new primary schools.
I will consider if new or revised conditions are required with regard to the recognition of new schools in the light of the commission's recommendations.