Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 7 Jul 1993

Vol. 433 No. 6

Written Answers. - Tallaght (Dublin) School.

Mary Harney

Question:

147 Miss Harney asked the Minister for Education the plans, if any, she has to provide premises within the Tallaght area for a post-primary all Irish School for September 1994 in view of the unsuitable accommodation at Cumann Gaelach Hall where the school will be located in September 1993; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Education (Ms Bhreathnach)

In November 1992 my Department approved, in principle, of a proposal by County Dublin Vocational Education Committee to establish an all-Irish, post-primary school in Tallaght subject, inter alia, to satisfactory proposals on location and accommodation.

As with other all-Irish schools, recognition is granted on a trial basis for an initial period of six years so that the school's long term viability can be assessed. The question of my Department funding the provision of new, permanent accommodation does not normally arise during that period.

County Dublin Vocational Education Committee has proposed that the new school be temporarily accommodated in the Cumann Gaelach premises, Tallaght when the school opens in September 1993. The Building Unit of my Department is in communication with County Dublin Vocational Education Committee with regard to whatever work is required to make the accommodation suitable for educational purposes.

Assuming that the viability of the new school will be established within the trial period of recognition, the question of where the school is to be located in the longer term will be for discussion between my Department and County Dublin Vocational Education Committee.