Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Deputy probably knows my reply already. An international school providing the international baccalaureate would not be a recognised school for the purposes of funding by my Department, as it would not teach the Irish curriculum. All State-funded schools follow the curriculum as established by the Minister.

I understand that a small number of schools, possibly four, offer elements of the international baccalaureate currently, with none offering the entire curriculum from four to 18 years of age. I am aware of plans on the part of private providers to develop new schools which offer the international baccalaureate. These providers are not eligible for, nor are they seeking, funding or quality assurance from my Department.

I have no plans to devote resources from the education budget for the provision of the international baccalaureate. However, as a general principle, and in support of our international education strategies, my Department is broadly supportive of the value and role of international schools in addressing the need to provide education for children of internationally mobile parents.

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