Vol. 484 No. 2
26 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Education and Science the current position regarding applications (details supplied) from Gaelscoil de hÍde, Oranmore, County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21699/97]
Gaelscoil de hÍde, Oranmore, County Galway was granted temporary recognition with effect from September 1994. The question of permanent recognition for the school is currently being examined by the planning section of my Department in the light of a recent inspector's report on the operation of the school and the latest enrolment data. I expect that this examination will be completed and a decision conveyed to the board of management in the very near future.
It is only when permanent recognition is granted that the gaelscoil will be entitled to apply for capital grant-aid for the provision of a new school building.
School transport services are not provided to schools with temporary recognition only. Accordingly, there are no such services to Gaelscoil de hÍde at present. However, the matter will be re-examined when a decision on the application for permanent recognition has been taken. I am pleased to inform the Deputy that sanction for the permanent appointment of the second assistant teacher at Gaelscoil de hÍde was given by my Department on 20 November 1997.
