Vol. 513 No. 6
154 Mr. Barrett asked the Minister for Education and Science the growth in the number of children in multi-denominational model schools in the past five years; his projection for growth in the next five years; and his views on whether the organisation Educate Together is adequately resourced to plan and support the development of this sector. [3134/00]
In 1994, there were 14 multi-denominational schools with a total enrolment of 2,765 pupils. By 1999, these figures had risen to 23 schools, with a combined enrolment of 3,578 pupils.
My Department maintains regular contact with educate together and, in this way, remains fully briefed as to the anticipated growth of multi-denominational schools. The most recent information obtained indicates that a further ten such schools are being planned for the future.
My Department provided Educate Together with funding of £26,000 in 1997, £27,000 in 1998 and £7,500 in 1999 to assist with their operational and administrative expenses. An application for increased funding was recently received by my Department and I have met with representatives of Educate Together in the last week. The question of providing additional resources to the organisation was discussed. I was happy to respond positively to the delegation and I will be writing to them in the near future.
The Deputy will be aware, also, that the major initiative last year in relation to the purchase of school sites and the funding of school building projects will be of significant benefit to multi-denominational schools.
