I propose to take Questions Nos. 675, 677, 734 and 738 together.
The school to which the Deputies refer commenced operation with provisional recognition from my Department in September 2007. It has a current enrolment of 21 pupils.
When granting provisional recognition, the school was informed by my Department that the provision of accommodation was the responsibility of the school Patron. My Department grant aids the rental of such accommodation.
My Department approved a rental arrangement for the school, which facilitated it to secure its current accommodation until the end of the 2009/2010 school year. It was of the understanding that a lease had been executed to achieve this until it was recently informed by the school authority that it would be necessary for it to vacate the premises after Easter.
My Department made enquiries locally and sourced alternative accommodation to meet the school's needs. However, I am pleased to inform the Deputies that the school resolved the issues with its landlord and the accommodation it occupied continues to be available to it.
The school has submitted proposals for alternative accommodation for the 2009/2010 school year, which will substantially increase the level of funding already approved for its accommodation. This matter is under consideration in the context of the level of the school's accommodation needs and competing demands on the resources of my Department.
