Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 23 Jun 1998

Vol. 492 No. 7

Written Answers. - Gaelscoileanna Establishment.

Seán Barrett

Question:

107 Mr. Barrett asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress, if any, made to date in introducing a five year plan for the development of the Gaelscoileanna and the establishment of a special unit within his Department for the purpose. [14966/98]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. Martin)

It is my policy to support the establishment of all-Irish schools in areas outside the Gaeltacht, where sufficient demand for such facilities is demonstrated and where there exists no suitable alternative provision within a reasonable distance.

The Commission on School Accommodation Needs is at present examining the most appropriate criteria for the recognition and resourcing of national schools, including all-Irish schools. As part of its remit, the commission is carrying out a review of existing policies, structures and funding for this area in the course of preparing recommendations for submission to me. Policy in relation to the development of all-Irish schools will be reviewed in the light of the commission's report and recommendations.

I should also mention that the Education (No. 2) Bill, 1997, makes specific reference to the establishment of a body to plan and co-ordinate the provision of Irish-medium textbooks and learning aids, advise the Minister on policy matters related to Irish-medium education, provide support services to schools through the medium of Irish and conduct research into any related matters. As the Bill progresses through the legislative process, I will give consideration as to how this provision might best be implemented.

A possible approach to addressing these issues might be to provide or designate an education centre with a specific focus on services to schools providing education through Irish. I have asked my Department to examine this possibility.