Ciarán Cuffe (Dún Laoghaire, Green Party)
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Question 81: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the reason his Department will not sanction a new gaelscoil in Lucan; the factors that were assessed in coming to such a decision; if the issue has been referred to an independent commission or arbitrator; if so, when a decision is likely; if cognisance will be taken of the schools accommodation crisis in Lucan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14384/04]

Noel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)
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An application for a second gaelscoil in Lucan was received in my Department in January last. In accordance with established procedures, the application was referred to the new schools advisory committee for its assessment and recommendation. The NSAC reported to me and my decisions regarding the recognition of new schools for September 2004 were based on that report.

I am satisfied that any increasing demand for all-Irish provision in the Lucan area can be met by expanding existing provision. Accordingly, I made the decision not to grant recognition to a second gaelscoil in Lucan.

The patron body appealed the decision and the appeal was referred to an independent appeals board which deliberated on the appeal and reported its findings. The board has not upheld the appeal. Accordingly, the decision not to grant recognition to a proposed new gaelscoil in Lucan remains unchanged.

To address the immediate need presenting in Lucan for all-Irish primary education, contact has been made with the patron of the existing gaelscoil with a view to providing temporary accommodation on that site should this be required to facilitate a junior infant intake for September 2004. The long-term needs of the school will be addressed as soon as possible with the patron.