Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 339: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the number of Gaelscoileanna that have been approved for new schools on a county basis. [5471/08]

Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 340: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the breakdown of the stage of each application for a new school for each Gaelscoil on a county basis. [5472/08]

Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 341: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the number of Gaelscoileanna on a county basis that have applied for new buildings in the past two years. [5473/08]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I propose to take Questions Nos. 339 to 341, inclusive, together.

The information sought by the Deputy is not readily available. However, if the Deputy has a query in relation to a specific school he can contact my officials in the Department who will be happy to assist in this regard. In general new gaelscoileanna initially operate with provisional recognition from my 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 my Department is in a position to provide permanent accommodation. While schools with temporary recognition do not qualify for capital funding, my Department does provide grant aid for the rental of interim accommodation.

A school may be granted permanent recognition when it has complied with all the conditions of temporary recognition. The period of temporary recognition may vary from school to school. As soon as permanent recognition is granted by my Department a school may apply for a new school building.