Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 2 Jul 1996

Vol. 467 No. 7

Written Answers. - School correspondence in Irish.

Mary Harney

Question:

184 Miss Harney asked the Minister for Education if she will ensure that there is a separate structure within the education boards which will meet the basic needs of all-Irish schools so that they do not have to continually include an English translation of their correspondence; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13970/96]

Minister for Education (Ms Bhreathnach)

All schools may currently conduct their correspondence with the Department through Irish or English. This situation will not change with the establishment of the education boards.

The White PaperCharting Our Education Future, sets our clearly the framework for the establishment of the Education Boards. The White Paper indicates that each board must: provide fully in the educational system for the diversity which exists in the community, including the community of all-Irish schools; provide for the systematic planning and co-ordination of the provision of education in its area; provide a range of support services to schools.

I am happy that the education boards will be able to service adequately the needs of all-Irish schools.