Pat Breen (Clare, Fine Gael)
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171. 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. [44127/13]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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As the Deputy is aware, a process is in place under which the issue of permanent recognition for the school referred to is being assessed. This process is based on the school's progress in fulfilling the undertakings supplied by the school patrons to meet permanent recognition criteria in accordance with the requirements of the Education Act 1998 and the Rules for National Schools. All recognised schools, regardless of their philosophy, are required to comply with the Education Act 1998 and the Rules for National Schools.

Officials from my Department met with the school concerned in September 2012 at which it was agreed that a number of issues had to be addressed by the school so as to satisfy the Department's requirements for permanent recognition. Both the Department and school concerned have committed to ongoing engagement, and the Department's inspectorate agreed to provide a number of advisory/support visits to the school to assist them in making progress to fulfil the requirements. The first set of the advisory visits occurred in the last academic year and further visits are scheduled.

It was also agreed that the school would have their period of provisional recognition extended by three years to allow them adequate time to reach the requirements. This extension will not impede the school receiving permanent recognition in the interim if the criteria for recognition are met.