Dublin school sues Minister

A DUBLIN multi denominational school is to sue the Minister for Education over her refusal to grant it official recognition.

Solicitors for the Crumlin multi denominational school, which is under notice to quit its present premises in Kilmainham, have begun High Court proceedings against the Minister, Ireland and the Attorney General, to vindicate the constitutional rights of children attending the school.

The Crumlin parents say Ms Breathnach could preside over the first school eviction in the history of the State unless she helps them to find new premises.

The school's solicitors claim the Minister has taken no concrete steps to recognise the difficulties of minority education groups, in spite of commitments made in the White Paper on Education.

The school, which has over 30 pupils, has been based in a variety of temporary premises since 1994 and its present site at Goldenbridge House is being converted into apartments by Zoe Developments.

The board of management has been unable to locate alternative premises Rent prices have spiralled due to the property boom and there are no affordable greenfield sites in the area.

Talks with State agencies on renting unused State property have been unsuccessful.

The parents claim that the Minister's continued refusal to grant the two teacher school permanent recognition denies the board access to capital grants.

Speaking in the Dail last night, Ms Breathnach promised to process the school's application for permanent recognition as a matter of urgency.

The problem of accommodation would be reviewed alter the decision on recognition, she said.