Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 14 Oct 1999

Vol. 509 No. 3

Written Answers. - Cross-Border Gaelscoileanna.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

30 Caoimhghin Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Education and Science if, in view of the current strength and continuing growth of gaelscoileanna in County Monaghan and the advent of the Irish stream in nearby Armagh city, he will support the unanimous recommendation of the mem bership of the British-Irish Inter-Parliamentary Body for the establishment of a cross-Border Irish language secondary school to be jointly funded by both the Irish and British Governments. [19793/99]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. Martin)

I am aware of the growth of all-Irish education at primary level in County Monaghan, where three gaelscoileanna are currently in operation and I am also aware of the recommendation of the British-Irish Inter-Parliamentary Body to which the Deputy refers.

I accept that a demand for post-primary education through Irish may arise in areas where gaelscoileanna have been established. In this regard, it is my policy to facilitate and support the establishment of all-Irish facilities at primary and second level in areas outside the Gaeltacht where a demand for such facilities is demonstrated and where there exists no alternative within a reasonable distance.