24 April,2008 - 22 New Primary schools receive recognition from September 2008

Statement from Mary Hanafin T.D., Minister for Education & Science

Following consideration of the report and recommendations of the New Schools Advisory Committee on the recognition of new primary schools, the Minister for Education and Science, Mary Hanafin, T.D., has given approval for the establishment of 22 new schools - 18 new primary schools and 4 special schools - from September 2008 in accordance with Section 10 of the Education Act 1998 and the published criteria for recognition of new schools.

The 22 new schools include

• 12 Multi-Denominational
•  5 Catholic Denominational, three of which are Gaelscoileanna
•  1 Inter-Denominational
•  4 Special Schools, including a special school for children with Autism

Details of the schools to be recognised can be found by clicking on the link below
http://www.education.ie/servlet/blobservlet/PR08-04-24.doc

In relation to the application made by Educate Together in respect of a proposed school in Carpenterstown, the Minister has indicated that because the new model of primary schools patronage is be piloted in this area from September 2008, it is not proposed to approve this application from September of this year. However, given the anticipated continuing increase in primary enrolments in the area, this does not preclude the approval of such an application at a later date.

The Minister has decided to grant recognition to the Educate Together application in respect of Belmayne North in recognition of the population growth in this area, despite the fact that this application was not recommended by the New Schools Advisory Committee. The granting of recognition in this case is due to the expectation that there will be sufficient pupils in the area to warrant the establishment of a new school from September 2008.

The Minister has not granted recognition to the proposed Interdenominational Primary school in the Curragh. Co. Kildare pending the outcome of the Department's assessment of the proposed patron body.

ENDS

24th April 2008