Batt O'Keeffe
Ceist:45 Mr. B. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Education the provision, if any, which she is making to adequately resource Gaelcholáiste Choilm, Baile an Chollaigh, Contae Chorcaí. [2734/97]
Written Answers - School Funding.
In 1991, my Department approved a proposal made by County Cork Vocational Education Committee for the establishment of an all-Irish unit attached to Ballincollig community college to meet the needs of pupils seeking education through Irish in that area. In accordance with standard practice, recognition of the unit was given on a trial basis for a period of six years. There are 150 pupils enrolled in the unit this year.
The all-Irish unit is resourced, in respect of accommodation, funding, and staffing, through the vocational education committee, in the same way as the mainstream vocational schools. Funding in respect of day-to-day operating expenses incurred by the unit is provided from the annual block-grant paid by my Department to the committee for its county scheme. Within the limits of the overall grant, the level of funding allocated to individual schools and units is at the discretion of the committee. The overall staffing allocation to the Ballincollig unit includes one additional post on an ex-quota basis, to take account of the needs of unit.
My Department is currently considering an application from County Cork vocational education Committee for additional accommodation to incorporate the future needs of the all-Irish unit and Ballincollig community college as a whole.