Ann Phelan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Senator for raising this matter which, as he said, I am taking on behalf of my colleague, the Minister for Education and Skills, Deputy Jan O'Sullivan. It provides me with the opportunity to clarify the current position on the recognition process for Mol an Oige Steiner national school, Ennistymon, County Clare.

As the Senator will be aware, Mol an Oige Steiner national school which implements the Steiner approach to education was initially awarded provisional recognition in 2008, based on written agreement from the school patron, Lifeways (Ireland) Limited, to a number of undertakings. This provisional recognition was extended year by year until October 2012 when a three year extension was granted. A process is in place in which the issue of permanent recognition for the school is being considered. This process is based on the school's progress in fulfilling the undertakings supplied by the school's patron to meet permanent recognition criteria in accordance with the requirements of the Education Act 1998 and the rules for national schools. All recognised schools, regardless of their philosophy or ethos, are required to comply with the Education Act 1998 and the rules for national schools. Permanent recognition is contingent on schools demonstrating that they meet these requirements satisfactorily.

Following the formal evaluation conducted by the departmental inspectorate of the work of the school, the school was invited, as part of the process, to supply a school response. This response was received from the school in October. I advise the Senator that the formal evaluation conducted by the departmental inspectorate forms only part of the recognition process. The undertakings in respect of other school governance matters must also be verified.

The Department has recently received a response from the school authority in relation to the school governance undertakings which is currently being considered in conjunction with the advice received from the inspectorate. The Department expects to be in a position to finalise its consideration shortly.

I wish to thank the Senator again for giving me the opportunity to outline the current position in regard to the recognition process for Mol an Óige Steiner national school, County Clare.