Martin Ferris (Kerry North, Sinn Fein)
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Question 36: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the reason for his refusal to recognise Educate Together secondary schools in areas such as Lucan, County Dublin in which there is demand for non-denominational secondary education; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26728/09]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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My Department is currently considering a number of broad policy issues relating to the recognition process for second level schools. To facilitate full consideration of all of the issues involved, my Department has sought legal advice from the Office of the Attorney General in relation to the system of patronage at second level. Officials from my Department have recently met with their counterparts in the Office of the Attorney General to discuss the matter.

I can assure the Deputy that the application from Educate Together to be recognised as a patron body at second level will be fully examined within the context of the legal, financial and other factors that I must consider.