Seán Haughey (Dublin North Central, Fianna Fail)

I am taking this Adjournment matter on behalf of my colleague, the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills, Deputy Coughlan. I thank the Senator for raising this matter, as it affords me the opportunity to outline to the Seanad the current issues surrounding recognition and patronage in general.

The Senator will be aware that section 10 of the Education Act 1998 deals with the recognition of new schools and sets out the factors that the Minister must take into account when considering such applications. The previous Minister, Deputy Batt O'Keeffe, stated 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 was 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 relating 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 in Lucan is the only such school where a VEC has been informed about patronage. It is not the case that patronage of this school has been withdrawn from County Dublin VEC; the position is that the issue will receive further consideration in light of the new framework. The consideration of the new framework is not delaying site acquisition or the planning, design and building of second level schools in any way. In addition to County Dublin VEC, an application has been made by Educate Together regarding 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. It is the Tánaiste's intention to finalise the matter and convey a decision to all relevant parties at the earliest date possible.

The Senator had a number of other queries relating to figures. I will endeavour to get the information required. If there are any other queries, she might let me know about them now and I will follow up on them for her.