Olwyn Enright
Question:231 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science his plans to proceed with the provision of an all-Irish stream in Tullamore Community College; and if this will be available in September 2002. [14537/02]
Written Answers. - Schools Recognition.
An application to establish an all-Irish unit at Tullamore College with effect from September 2002 was received from County Offaly VEC in December 2001. The application was examined in my Department and it was decided not to grant recognition to the proposed unit. The vocational education committee was advised accordingly in May 2002.
The Department is focusing resources at present on the all-Irish unit attached to Athlone Community College as a basis for meeting the demand for all-Irish second level education in the general area. A dedicated transport system to Athlone will be provided by my Department, subject to a minimum of seven pupils from Tullamore attending the unit.
On the general question of all-Irish provision at second level, the commission on school accommodation has been asked to report and make recommendations on criteria and procedures for establishing and maintaining provision through the medium of Irish in individual second level schools or clusters of schools.