Michael McNamara (Clare, Labour)
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503. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if there are any obstacles to Steiner secondary schools in Ireland; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39426/15]

Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick City, Labour)
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My Department takes the decision to establish new schools (primary and post-primary) in order to meet demographic need. When the demographics of an area require the establishment of a new school, then a process is conducted to allow for different patrons/bodies to be considered as patron of the new school. Parental preferences are central to this process and prospective patrons are required to provide evidence of demand for their particular type of school. My Department publicises school patronage determination processes and provides guidance to prospective applicants on the requirements to be fulfilled. It is open to all patrons and prospective patrons to apply under this process.

Michael McNamara (Clare, Labour)
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504. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the criteria for recognition of secondary schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39427/15]

Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick City, Labour)
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New schools (primary and post-primary) are established in order to meet demographic need. A process is conducted to allow for different patrons/bodies to be considered as patron of a new school. It is open to all patrons and prospective patrons to apply under this process. Parental preferences are central to this process and prospective patrons are required to provide evidence of demand for their particular type of school. A range of requirements and criteria apply to the establishment of a new school and these are clearly set out for applicant patrons.