Vol. 484 No. 4
128 Mr. Haughey asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the plans of Coiste Meánscoileanna Thuaisceart Átha Cliath to establish an all-Irish secondary school in the Dublin north-east area; the role, if any, of his Department in this regard; if he will encourage the City of Dublin Vocational Education Committee to find a suitable site or building for this purpose; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22447/97]
Coiste Meánscoile Thuaisceart Átha Cliath wrote to me recently regarding the provision of an all-Irish second level school in the Dublin north-east area. This group is one of a number of interest groups from that area of Dublin who have made submissions to my Department regarding such a provision. Some of these groups have also been in touch with City of Dublin Vocational Education Committee in the matter. However, my Department does not have a current application from the committee for the establishment of such a school.
Applications for the provision of additional educational facilities, including all-Irish second level schools, for any area, have to be approved for funding by my Department. Such applications are considered in the light of all relevant factors, such as the adequacy of existing provision, demographic trends and likely future demand. The planning section of my Department is reviewing the situation in the light of the submissions received and having regard to the increase in the number of gaelscoileanna in north Dublin in recent years.
When this review is completed, my Department will be in touch with the interest groups concerned and, if appropriate, City of Dublin Vocational Education Committee.
