Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 6 May 2010
13 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if she will instruct her officials to recognise Educate Together as a patron at second level; if her officials will award the patronage of a new secondary school in Lucan, County Dublin, to Educate Together in view of the fact that there are five Educate Together primary schools in the area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18308/10]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy will be aware that Section 10 of the Education Act 1998 deals with the recognition of new schools and sets out the factors that I, as Minister, must take into account when considering such applications. My predecessor previously outlined to the House that given the changing nature of Irish society and the projected need for a number of post primary schools to open in the medium term, the Department is considering a number of broad policy issues regarding the establishment of new post-primary schools. As part of this, consideration is being given to the setting up of a new framework in relation to the establishment of new second-level schools and their patronage. New schools where only very initial planning has taken place will be considered in the context of this framework when it is established.
The second-level school at Lucan is the only such school where a VEC has already been informed about patronage. It is not the case that patronage of this school has been withdrawn from County Dublin VEC rather the position is that the issue will receive further consideration in the light of the new framework.
The consideration of this new framework is not delaying the site acquisition, planning, design and building of second-level schools in any way.
In addition to the County Dublin VEC, an application has been made by Educate Together in relation to the proposed new school in Lucan. Furthermore, a general application in relation to schools in developing areas has also been received from the Loreto Education Trust.
In view of the range of issues involved, it has not been possible to bring this matter to a conclusion as quickly as everyone concerned would have liked. However, it is my intention to finalise this matter and convey a decision to Educate Together and other relevant parties at the earliest date possible.
