This article is from page 7 of the 2006-03-21 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 7 JPG
A CAMPAIGN by two Clare Steiner Schools for official recognition has hit a snag with the news that the Department of Education has been unable to process their application for recognition.
The Department of Education has informed Clare VEC that it is currently not in a position to process the application for recognition of the two primary schools at Raheen Wood School Tuamgraney, Scariff and Mol an Óige, Ennistymon.
The Department has cited technical difficulties in the dual application as the reason for the delay. The difficulty in the process is believed to centre on the issue of Clare VEC serving as patron for both schools.
However Clare VEC believe that the Department have wrongly interpreted the regulations concerning patronage and believe that the organisation is entitled to serve as patron for both Mol an Óige and Raheen Wood.
CEO of Clare VEC, George O’Callaghan, confirmed the delay at last Thursday’s monthly meeting of the board.
He said that he would be meeting with Department officials to further discuss the matter.
The Board of Clare VEC had previously accepted a proposal to become conditional patron of the schools provided both received official recognition from the Department of Education.
In order for the application process to be finalised, the schools must first agree to the curriculum as set out by the department.
In the case of Mol an Óige, recognition would allow them to pursue a permanent site for a school building.
“There was some suggestion that there might need to be a change of patron, but it is certainly the case that Clare VEC are entitled to act as patron,” said Cllr Flan Garvey (FF).