Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 19: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if his Department has been approached, either formally or informally, by any fee-paying schools about the possibility of opting into the traditional free education system; the schools which were involved in such discussions; his Department's response or attitude to such an approach; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7931/09]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

My Department has not received any recent approaches, formal or informal, from any fee-paying school wishing to opt into the free education scheme. A school did consider joining the free education scheme in 2004, but subsequently withdrew its application. It is open to any fee-paying school to apply to join the free education scheme. Any applications received will receive due consideration by my Department.