Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 29 January 2014
60. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he considers the aonad/sruth at second level as representing full immersion in the Irish language for those who have gone through gaelscoileanna at primary level; if this is taken into consideration when determining the enrolment policy for second level gaelscoileanna; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4542/14]
View answerI am committed to making Irish medium education available at post-primary taking account of the demand for such provision in an area and the availability of resources. My Department will continue to identify areas where there is need for a new stand alone Irish medium post-primary school in accordance with a threshold of demand (i.e. 400 pupils) that is considerably lower than the equivalent for English-medium schools (i.e between 800 and 1,000 pupils).
Other options such as Irish language units (Aonad) and Irish language streams (Sruth) attached to an English medium school are considered in areas where the demand for Irish-medium education does not meet the threshold for a stand alone Irish medium school. The extent to which students are immersed in the Irish language in units and streams will be contingent on a number of interrelated factors such as support from management of the host school, the level of demand for Irish-medium instruction in the school, whole-school planning and the arrangements in place for the allocation of teaching resources.
In relation to a school's enrolment policy, it is the responsibility of the managerial authorities of all schools to implement an enrolment policy in accordance with the Education Act, 1998. This selection process and the enrolment policy on which it is based must be non-discriminatory and must be applied fairly in respect of all applicants. Under section 15 (2) (d) of the Education Act 1998, each school is legally obliged to publish its enrolment policy.
The Deputy will be aware that I have recently published a draft General Scheme for an Education (Admission to Schools) Bill, 2013 as well as draft regulations for discussion ahead of enacting legislation. These are available on my Department's website. I have referred the draft proposals to the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Education and Social Protection, to allow a full public discussion of the proposed legislative framework, including inputs from parents, education partners and other stakeholders. I will be reflecting carefully on the views expressed in the consultation process to ensure the legislation strikes the right balance between school autonomy and fairness in our education system.
