Joe Carey (Clare, Fine Gael)
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To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the progress that has been made to date in relation to a school (details supplied) in County Clare; when he will move to the next step; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49155/12]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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Provisional recognition was initially awarded in 2008 to the school referred to by the Deputy and has been extended each year since. The school is seeking to have permanent recognition granted and a process is in place under which the issue of recognition is being assessed. This process is based on ten undertakings committed to by the school's Patron in 2007 in accordance with the requirements of the Education Act 1998 and the Rules for National Schools.

My Department recently met with the school authorities to discuss the school's current position in relation to the undertakings concerned. I understand that while issues remain to be resolved, substantial progress has been made by the school in relation to most of the undertakings and that my officials and the school are working together with a view to enabling the school to meet the permanent recognition criteria as soon as possible. It is very important to note that the decision regarding full recognition depends upon the satisfactory implementation by the Patron of all the undertakings.