The position is that following a decision last year not to grant recognition to five applicant gaelscoileanna, including Ballybrack, I have fulfilled an undertaking to review the cases early in 1997. Arising from that review, I granted recognition to the Ballybrack gaelscoil, with effect from 7 April next. The school was informed of the position on 5 March 1997.
As part of the review, I took into account the fact that the commission on school accommodation needs has commenced its work on recommending criteria for the recognition of new schools, including gaelscoileanna. In the circumstances, I considered that the commission should be in a position to carry out its work free from any ongoing controversy regarding unresolved cases.