THE primary schools section of the National Parents Council has said it is "surprised and disappointed" at the refusal of recognition to seven new Gaelscoileanna.
It said it appeared the Department had changed the way it applied rules regarding recognition "without notice or consultation" and called on the Minister for Education to reconsider the matter urgently.
"The reasonable expectation of parents who have worked hard to establish these schools should be respected and recognition should be given on the same basis as last year," the council said. "The interpretation of the rules for recognition should not be changed at this late stage. The Minister should ensure that discussions take place with Gaelscoileanna urgently to resolve this matter."
Meanwhile, the Department is to consider an appeal against its refusal of recognition to Gaelscoil na nDeise in Waterford, according to a spokeswoman. She said it hoped to have the results of the appeal "before the school year starts". This was welcomed by Mr Gerry Hallessy from Gaelscoil na nDeise. He said he met officials from the Department last Wednesday "for clarification purposes" and gave them full details of his case. "I came away from the meeting extremely encouraged," he said.
According to Mr Hallessy, the school has 25 junior infants and 12 senior infants enrolled for this September, with a further 15 junior infants enrolled for next year, which met the Department's 20 pupil threshold for recognition. An examination of other criteria would show the new school was viable. It will be based in an unused community centre, rebuilt two years ago.