Paul Gogarty (Dublin Mid West, Green Party)
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Question 398: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if she will report on the background to her decision to sanction a new school and provide for the expansion of another school (details supplied) from an eight class school to a 16 class school, following representations from this Deputy and others; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12752/05]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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The decision to expand the existing school referred to by the Deputy from an eight classroom to a 16 classroom school was taken by officials in the planning and building unit of my Department in the light of the demand for such school places in the Lucan area. This decision followed a technical examination of the school and site and discussions with South Dublin County Council.

On the recommendation of the new schools advisory committee, I have also recently sanctioned the granting of provisional recognition to a second gaelscoil to serve the needs of the general Lucan area. This school will commence operating in September 2005. Newly established schools are generally required to undergo a period of provisional recognition, during which the operation of the school and the growth of pupil numbers are monitored. During that period, it is the responsibility of the school patron to provide suitable accommodation. This accommodation should be capable of fully meeting the needs of the developing school until permanent recognition has been secured and my Department is in a position to provide permanent accommodation.