Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
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Question 343: To ask the Minister for Education and Science his views on the circumstances of a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; if permanent recognition will be given to this school in view of the fact that it has achieved an increase in its enrolment in each of the seven years since its establishment; if he accepts that permanent recognition is necessary in this instance in order to achieve consistency, having regard to decisions made in respect of similar schools in County Monaghan and County Kilkenny; if his attention has been drawn to the efforts made by this school to maintain ongoing communications with the planning unit of his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4168/10]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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The school to which the Deputy refers is recognised by my Department. In common with all schools, when initially established, the school was granted temporary recognition to allow it to demonstrate its viability. Last year, the Department extended the school's temporary recognition for a further three years to allow it the opportunity to develop its enrolments further and demonstrate its long term viability. The school authority has been informed that the situation will be reviewed at the expiration of that time.

I am aware that this matter has been the subject of discussions between officials in the Planning and Building Unit of my Department and the school authority at meetings and through other, including recent, contacts with the Patron. The Department is open to such contacts and it will take into account any material changes in support of the school's application for permanent recognition, should they arise.