This article is from page 20 of the 2008-04-22 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 20 JPG
under
the Freedom of Information Act. Along with the letter from Mr Ahern last November, representations were
also made by Finance Minister Brian Cowen, Agriculture Minister Mary Coughlan, Community Affairs Min- ister Eamon O’Cuiv, the then Tour- ism Minister John O’Donoghue, while Minister of State Tony Killeen made six representations.
A letter was sent from the Office of the Taoiseach last November with a printed signature ‘Bertie’ to Minister Mary Hanafin on the application by Mol an Oijige for new school recog- nition. Mr Ahern said he was writ- ing on behalf of Flan Garvey, Inagh, regarding an application by Mol an
Oige for official recognised status.
“T understand that the Lifeways Group, which is seeking the authori- sation, met with officials from your Department in Tullamore, Novem- ber 12, 2007, and were advised that the department would revert to them with their decision. I would be grate- ful if you would let me know the present status in relation to this mat- ter.” Former mayor of Clare, Coun- cillor Flan Garvey is the father of founding teacher of the Mol an Oige school, Una Ni Ghairbhith.
In response, Minister Hanafin said
that her officials met with the prin- cipal of Mol an Oige where the sub- stantive issues relating to the appli- cation were discussed at length
“My officials are currently consid- ering the replies received with a view to making a recommendation to me in the coming days. I will consider these recommendations and the pro- posed patron will be informed of the outcome. I hope this information is of assistance to you.”
Underlining the determined politi- cal campaign by Mol an Ojge to se- cure recognition, 34 separate repre-
sentations were made in response to lobbying from constituents.
Former senator Brendan Daly made the highest number of rep- resentations at seven, followed by Minister Killeen, Minister O Cuiv who made four and former Minister, John O’Donoghue who made three representations and one in his cur- rent position of Ceann Comhairle. Minister Coughlan and Cllr Garvey made two representations, while Minister Cowen, Pat Breen TD, Joe Carey TD, Olwyn Enright TD all made one each.