Joe Costello (Dublin Central, Labour)
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Question 340: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if approval will be given to Educate Together to become a patron of second level schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43816/09]

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 and the application from Educate Together to be recognised as a patron body at second level is being fully examined within the context of legal, financial and other factors that I must consider. The question of the governance structure is also being considered as part of that assessment.

Officials from my Department recently met with representatives from Educate Together and there was a wide-ranging discussion about the issues surrounding Educate Together's application to become a patron at second level.

In view of the range of issues involved, it has not been possible to bring this matter to a conclusion as quickly as I would have liked. However, it is my intention to convey a decision to Educate Together at the earliest date possible.