Paul Gogarty (Dublin Mid West, Green Party)
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Question 499: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the number of applications received to date by the new school advisory committee in relation to the application for a multi-denominational English medium primary school in Carlow town; if her Department is of the view that other schools would also be desirable and planned for in the next one to three years after the multi-denominational school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42811/06]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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The New School Advisory Committee is in receipt of a notification of an intention to apply for a Multi-Denominational English medium primary school in Carlow town. The closing date for applications is 31 January 2007. All applications received will be referred to the New School Advisory Committee for their consideration.

The criteria and procedures for the recognition of new primary schools were revised in 2002 based on the recommendations of a report of the Commission on School Accommodation, on which the Education Partners were represented.

Applications for the recognition of new primary schools are assessed by an independent advisory board (the New Schools Advisory Committee) on the basis of the facts provided by the patron body in support of the case for the new school and the likely demand for places. Schools are granted provisional recognition and permanent recognition follows when long term viability has been established on actual enrolments over a period.

Under this process all patron bodies are treated on an equal footing regardless of whether they are denominational, inter-denominational or multi-denominational. The Committee's annual programme of work culminates in a report with recommendations on the granting of recognition to application. I am happy to support all new schools where it has been clearly demonstrated in accordance with the criteria that a demand exists.

Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)
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Question 500: To ask the Minister for Education and Science her reason for denying permanent recognition to a school (details supplied) in Dublin 9; the way she proposes the funding deficit to be bridged by parents and school management; if she will review this decision in view of the extra costs this will place on parents; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42823/06]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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An assessment is being carried out by the Department to strategically examine the extent of multi-denominational provision in the Dublin 9 area. It will also determine long term requirements and how these should best be addressed. The issue of permanent recognition for the school in question will be visited 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. 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. Teacher salaries, capitation grants and school transport costs are also paid for eligible pupils.