Gerry Reynolds
Question:7 Mr. G. Reynolds asked the Minister for Education and Science his plans to build on the success of gaelscoileanna; and the demand which exists for all-Irish secondary schools in this regard. [2842/02]
Other Questions. - All-Irish Schools.
It is my policy to support the provision of all-Irish school facilities at primary and second level in areas outside the Gaeltacht regions, where a demand for such provision is demonstrated and no alternative exists within a reasonable distance.
There are 114 recognised gaelscoileanna operating within the State, with the possibility that further such schools may secure recognition and open in the future. With the growth in the number of all-Irish primary schools around the country over the past two decades, there is, understandably, an increase in the demand for all-Irish school provision at post-primary level also. There are currently in excess of 50 schools providing varying degrees of education through Irish at this level and the planning section of my Department is examining applications for the development of such facilities in a number of other locations.
In line with the provisions of the Education Act, 1998, I recently set up a new statutory body, The Council for Gaeltacht and Gaelscoil Education, to promote education through Irish as well as the teaching and learning of Irish. The new body will undertake a range of advisory and support functions in relation to Irish language education. These functions will include the planning and co-ordination of textbooks and learning aids and the development of policies to facilitate the provision of education through Irish in Gaeltacht schools as well as recognised schools generally.
In addition to those schools at first and second level which are providing tuition entirely or predominantly through the medium of Irish, the valuable contribution to the Irish language being made by many other schools is recognised and appreciated. These schools, some of which have established dedicated all-Irish streams, are an important resource in the promotion of Irish as a living language and as a medium of instruction. I have asked that these arrangements be reviewed and, in particular, the Commission on School Accommodation is to carry out an in-depth examination of all-Irish provision at post-primary level.
I am firmly committed to the promotion of the Irish language through the development of a range of school models with appropriate structures and resources.
How many gaelscoileanna, primary and post-primary, are among the 800 or more schools building projects whose progress is stalled in the Department of Education and Science? Does the Minister accept that gaelscoileanna are one of the great success stories of Irish education in recent years, particularly in promoting the language outside the Gaeltacht areas? There is a need to build on that progress by providing access to post-primary education through Irish. What plans has the Department for a proactive approach to providing sites and trained teachers to meet this demand?
There are 114 recognised gaelscoileanna operating in the State and a number are developing. What happens in practice is that a new school is set up and when it has been shown to have adequate numbers it becomes accredited as a school. When this happens the Department takes over all payments and arrangements. At this stage schools are usually housed in rented accommodation which is paid for by the Department. The next step is to find a site for a permanent school building. The Department will purchase a site under the usual conditions which apply in all circumstances. Interim accommodation is often required, either rented off-site or in temporary buildings on the site, while the permanent building is being planned. In some cases gaelscoileanna are accommodated in school buildings which have been vacated. It depends on what resources and facilities are available.
Is the Minister satisfied that a gaelscoil in Ballinasloe has been located for seven years in shopping and enterprise units and that despite every effort and endeavour during the years there has been no positive response from the Department to deal with the situation? What is the excuse for this if we are to promote the Irish language?
The Minister has not answered the question of how many gaelscoileanna there are among the 800 plus schools building projects being processed by his Department. May I draw his attention to two gaelscoileanna in Bantry, County Cork, and Wexford town? He has acknowledged that most gaelscoileanna are located in very poor quality built environments. We need to be proactive in this regard.
Like many others, the schools in question are included in the programme.
In the black hole.
We bought a site for more than €500,000 last year for the school in Wexford in which people are now saying we are not interested. I would not spend €500,000 on a school if I was not interested in it. The normal procedure is to obtain a site which, in this instance, we have obtained at a cost of more than €500,000. We are now prepared to provide on an interim basis portacabins, which many other schools use while their school accommodation is being built. Even if I made the money available, it could not be provided by next September, therefore, it will be the following year. Cover must be provided in the meantime.
That is the Department's attitude.
How can it be available for next September?
Where there is a will there is a way.
If the Deputy tries to get planning permission, he will not receive it overnight.
(Interruptions.)
I will make progress on these issues.