21 April, 2006 - Statement from Mary Hanafin T.D. Minister for Education and Science

Recognition of 6 New Primary Schools from September 2006

'Following consideration of the report and recommendations of the New Schools Advisory Committee on the recognition of new primary schools, I am pleased to give approval for the establishment of six new primary schools, from September 2006, in accordance with the provisions of Section 10 of the Education Act, 1998 and the published criteria for recognition of new schools.

In recent years we are responding to the wide diversity of needs within the education system. New providers have come forward such as Educate Together and Gaelscoileanna across the country. It is important when ensuring school provision, that there is accommodation of difference, diversity and tolerance across the system, while all the time maintaining the high quality of teaching and learning in our schools.' said Minister Hanafin

Details of the new schools are as follows:

School	Proposed Patron Body	Characteristic Spirit
GS Bhaile Brigín, Co Atha Cliath	Foras Pátrúnachta na Scoileanna Lánghaeilge teo.	Interdenominational
GS Riada, Baile Atha an Ri, Co na Gaillimhe	Foras Pátrúnachta na Scoileanna Lánghaeilge teo	Multi-denominational
GS an Chuilín, An Muileann gCearr, Co. na hIarmhi	Foras Pátrúnachta na Scoileanna Lánghaeilge teo	Interdenominational
Galway City East Educate Together NS, Doughiska / Roscam, Co Galway	Educate Together	Multi-denominational
Letterkenny Educate Together NS, Co. Donegal	Educate Together	Multi-denominational
Children's Ark NS, Midwestern Regional Hospital, Limerick	Midwestern Regional Hospital Manager, c/ o Health Services Executive	Multi-denominational

The Minister deferred a decision, for the moment, in relation to three schools, pending some further analysis by her officials of issues arising from the report of the New Schools Advisory Committee.  The Minister intends making a further announcement in the coming weeks.

ENDS