Seán Ryan (Dublin North, Labour)
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Question 488: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if she will report on the position regarding a site for a school (details supplied) in Dublin in view of the fact that three suitable sites have been identified by the school following consultation with Fingal County Council; if her officials will sanction one of them and allow the process to proceed. [23810/06]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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The school referred to by the Deputy was granted provisional recognition earlier this year. This recognition is contingent on the proposed accommodation meeting the criteria as set out in the Department's guidelines under the Criteria for the Recognition of New Schools. These criteria state that "In accordance with Section 10 (2) (e) of the Education Act 1998, the proposed interim accommodation complies with the Local Government (Planning and Development) Acts 1963 to 1996, the Building Regulations 1991 to 1997 (including the Building Control Regulations), the Health, Safety and Welfare Act, 1989 and any modifications, statutory instruments or orders made in accordance with these Acts."

School Planning Section of my Department is of the view that the school has not, as yet met the accommodation criteria and this view has been communicated to the Patron of the school.

There are three sites reserved for Primary schools in the Balbriggan area. One of these sites has been earmarked as the permanent location for Balbriggan Educate Together N.S. Ownership of this site is currently being transferred to my Department through Fingal County Council. Neither of the two other reserved school sites is in the ownership of Fingal County Council or my Department at present and no proposal has been received from the promoters of the new school regarding any of these sites.