The decision that the Department of Education should not fund the Steiner school in Co Clare was taken in 1995 by former minister for education Ms Niamh Bhreathnach, the High Court was told yesterday.
The decision was made after the Department's inspectorate raised concerns about the school's curriculum and teacher qualifications, the court heard. Mr Patrick Keating, who was programme manager to the then minister, was giving evidence on the 14th day of a constitutional action to compel the Department to fund the Cooleenbridge school at Tuamgraney, Co Clare, which is based on the Steiner method of education.
The action has been taken by Nora O'Shiel, a pupil of the school, who is suing through her mother Margaret; other pupils and parents of those pupils and Cooleenbridge Ltd, owner and manager of the school.
In court yesterday, Mr Keating, principal of the Christian Brothers' College, Monkstown Park, Dublin, told Mr Bill Shipsey SC, for the State, that he was seconded from his post in early 1993 to act as special adviser to then minister. His qualifications were in secondary education and he had no expertise in the primary school area. Mr Keating said Ms Breathnach had met representatives of the Steiner schools in May 1993 and had asked him to meet them. He had done so in July 1993 and got a video on the schools. Mr Keating said he received a letter from Mr Pierse O'Shiel, of the Steiner school, regarding capitation and teacher recognition in October 1993 and acknowledged that in November 1993. He believed he discussed the matter later in October 1993 with Ms Breathnach.
He agreed a note of his of October 29th, 1993 referred to Ms Breathnach being "very doubtful" about recognition of Steiner schools. She asked the advice of a Department inspector on the matter. The inspector, Mr Sean O Fiachra, wrote back saying he was not optimistic concessions could be made on teacher recognition if qualifications did not meet the required standard.
Mr Keating said he wrote to Mr O'Shiel in November 1993 seeking more detailed information. This was supplied in March 1994. He would have discussed the matter with the minister some time after that, Mr Keating said and she had decided that recognition and funding would not be granted.
The hearing continues today.
