Bertie Ahern
Ceist:88 Mr. B. Ahern asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs whether he will make representation to the Northern Ireland authorities with a view to securing public funding for Bunscoil an Iúir in the Newry area. [10568/95]
Written Answers. - Newry (Down) School.
The Government has consistently emphasised within the framework of the Anglo-Irish Agreement the importance of ensuring that the rights and identities of the two traditions in Northern Ireland are fully respected. We have paid particular attention in this regard to the position of the Irish language as an important part of a cultural heritage which is relevant to both traditions in Ireland.
While assistance from public funds has been provided to a number of Irish-medium primary schools in Northern Ireland, other smaller schools like Bunscoil an Iúir have experienced difficulties in obtaining the necessary financial support. Because of the importance which I attach to ensuring appropriate recognition of the Irish language, I have encouraged the authorities, through the framework of the Intergovernmental Conference, to consider favourably how present funding arrangements for Irish-medium schools might be improved.
As the Deputy knows, extra resources were recently made available by the Secretary of State to provide funding for Meánscoil Feirste and other Irish-medium schools in Belfast. Bunscoil an lúir has, I understand, recently submitted its own development proposal to the Northern Ireland Department of Education whose response is expected shortly. In the meantime I will continue to encourage the relevant bodies to support the efforts and commitment of parents, teachers and pupils in the Irish-medium sector.