Patrick Nulty (Dublin West, Labour)
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Question 257: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills his views on the Waldorf Steiner approach towards education; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28013/12]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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The Waldorf Steiner approach to education is based on the work of scientist and philosopher Rudolf Steiner. The education began in 1919 with the founding of the first Waldorf School in Stuttgart, Germany. Proponents of the Steiner approach regard it as offering an education which is holistic, multi-denominational, child-centred, co-educational and spiritually oriented. My Department has given provisional recognition to two primary schools in Co Clare that follow the Steiner ethos of education.

My Department will continue to consider the recognition of new schools including those with a Steiner ethos in accordance with demographic growth in an area, parental demand, the potential for extending diversity of provision and available resources. All schools regardless of their ethos are expected to comply with the Education Act 1998 and the rules and regulations of my Department, particularly in relation to patronage, board of management, implementation of the curriculum, admissions policy and procedures for the appointment of teaching staff. Permanent recognition is contingent on schools fully meeting these requirements.