Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 481: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if she will examine the present system under which her Department recognises and supports the opening of non-denominational schools and their patron bodies, bearing in mind in particular the difficulty in getting long-term recognition and suitable accommodation for such schools even though there is a substantial and growing demand for this education option; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16523/07]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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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. The report and the recommendations of the NSAC inform the Minister's decision on applications for recognition.

A central element of this process is that patron bodies wishing to establish new schools must identify the level of demand for the provision of education under the ethos proposed and that potential enrolment will meet certain minimum targets. Under this process all patron bodies are treated on an equal footing regardless of whether they are non-denominational, denominational, inter-denominational or multi-denominational.

It has become evident that, in some rapidly developing areas, the traditional manner in which Patron's establish schools can no longer be assumed. In recognition of this phenomenon, I announced earlier this year, the development of a new Patron model, with the VEC to act as Patron. This suggested model has been broadly welcomed by the Education Partners.Work on the development of a new Patron model is on-going within the Department in consultation with the Education Partners.