Vol. 462 No. 8
159 Mrs. T. Ahearn asked the Minister for Education the process whereby a national school can change over to a gaelscoil; and the effects on grants, the pupil-teacher ratio and so on, for a school (details supplied) in County Tipperary that makes this change; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5493/96]
Initially the board of management of the school referred to by the Deputy should obtain the views of the parents, teachers and patron regarding a change to a gaelscoil. If the response is positive, an application should be submitted to the planning section of my Department, outlining the board's proposals in the matter.
In the case of a primary school which has been recognised as an English medium school, such as the school referred to by the Deputy, a condition for it's recognition as a gaelscoil would be that the medium of instruction throughout the school should be in Irish. It would also need to demonstrate that there is a demand for such a school and that such provision is not available in another school within a reasonable distance.
In the event that the school is recognised as a gaelscoil, the staffing schedules and capitation grants, appropriate to gaelscoileanna, would be applicable.
If the board of management of the school requires additional information in the matter, it can be obtained by contacting the planning section of my Department.
