Frances Fitzgerald
Ceist:105 Ms F. Fitzgerald asked the Minister for Education the plans, if any, she has for the development of Gaelscoileanna in the Dublin region.
Ceisteanna — Questions Written Answers. - Development of Gaelscoileanna.
My Department is fully committed to facilitating and supporting the establishment of Gaelscoileanna in areas outside the Gaeltacht including the Dublin region. Where a demand for such a school is demonstrated and there is no alternative within a reasonable distance my Department, subject to certain conditions, will sanction a new Gaelscoil. Practical support for Gaelscoileanna is further demonstrated through the payment of increased capitation grants for pupils in these schools, allowing a more favourable pupil teacher ratio compared with ordinary primary schools, and paying allowances to teachers who teach through Irish. Furthermore, my Department provides 100 per cent of the cost of site acquisition and the provision of new buildings or extension-renovations to existing buildings for Gaelscoileanna.
I should also mention that the Fianna Fáil and Labour Programme for a Partnership Government 1993-1997 gave an undertaking to continue to promote and support Gaelscoileanna outside the Gaeltacht and to provide them with the necessary back up support.