Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 27 November 2014
190. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the extent to which she expects to respond to the well-presented application for Gaelcholáiste in north Kildare in view of the extent to which Coláiste Cois Life continues to be fully utilised and the need arising from the large number of Gaelscoileanna in the area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45745/14]
View answer191. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the extent to which she has examined the case for a Gaelcholáiste as submitted by the Leixlip support group; if she accepts the need for the coláiste in view of the strong support in the area and the need generated by the numerous Gaelscoileanna; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45746/14]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 190 and 191 together.
My Department is currently examining the extent and location of additional post-primary places that will be needed on a nationwide basis from 2017 onwards. This will include an examination of the north Kildare area. A submission recently received from An Foras Patrúnachta in relation to all-Irish provision in north Kildare will be taken into consideration as part of this examination.
In the meantime, my Department has clearly indicated that it is open to the idea of the establishment of an independent Gaelcholáiste for the north Kildare area. My Department has already committed to consider this if sufficient and viable demand for education through the medium of Irish is demonstrated over a four-year cycle in the Aonad in Maynooth Community College.
