Pat Breen (Clare, Fine Gael)
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To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he will provide an update on the status of a school (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6808/13]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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As the Deputy is aware, a process is underway in relation to the request for permanent recognition from the school referred to by the Deputy. This process is based on nine 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. Officials from my Department met with the school concerned in September last to discuss the school's current position in relation to the undertakings and with a view to enabling the school to meet the permanent recognition criteria as soon as possible. In that regard, my Department has since confirmed to the school that its provisional recognition has been extended for three years to 31 August 2015. This extension will allow the school the time necessary to progress the implementation of the changes in practice required to comply with the undertakings committed to by the school. This extension of the school's provisional recognition will also not impede the school being granted permanent recognition within that period if the criteria for recognition are satisfactorily met.