Pat Carey (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)
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Question 250: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if she will reconsider her decision not to grant permanent recognition to a school (details supplied) in Dublin 9, in view of the fact that it is on one of only six schools in Dublin City which has a special class for pupils with autism; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40800/06]

Tony Gregory (Dublin Central, Independent)
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Question 251: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if a school (details supplied) in Dublin 9 which has not yet received permanent recognition may on a once off basis apply for the minor works grant and summer works scheme in view of its special needs including a special class for autism which requires an occupational therapy room; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40867/06]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 250 and 251 together.

New schools operate with provisional recognition from the Department. During the period of provisional recognition, it is the responsibility of the school patron to provide interim accommodation. This accommodation must be capable of fully meeting the needs of the developing school until permanent recognition has been secured and the Department is in a position to provide permanent accommodation for the school.

The school to which the Deputy refers commenced operation with provisional recognition in September 2002. At the time provisional recognition was granted, the Patron Body was notified, in writing, of the terms and conditions underpinning the grant of recognition. In this regard, it was specifically stated that, the Patron has sole responsibility for the critically important matter of accommodation. It was also made clear that the accommodation sourced by the Patron would be required to meet the needs of the school as it developed and that in the event of permanent recognition being granted, interim accommodation would remain the Patron's responsibility until the Department was in a position to provide permanent accommodation.

This remains the position and the Department is completely satisfied that there can be no misunderstanding on the Patrons behalf in relation to this matter.

In relation to the granting of permanent recognition to the school in question, an assessment is being carried out by the Department which will strategically examine the extent of multi-denominational provision in the Dublin 9 area and will determine long term requirements and how these should best be addressed. The issue of permanent recognition will be revisited once this assessment has been completed.

While schools with temporary recognition do not qualify for capital funding, the Department does provide grant aid for the rental of interim accommodation. It is open to a school to seek an increase in this rental as its needs develop. This includes the rental of extra accommodation for special or other needs. The school in question should apply to the Department for extra rental assistance if it now has a particular requirement in this regard.