Thomas P. Broughan
Ceist:398 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Education and Science the timeframe for the provision of an all-Irish second level school for Coláiste Mhéanscoil, Átha Cliath Iar Thuaidh. [22396/99]
Written Answers. - School Accommodation.
I fully support the development of all-Irish second level provision in north east Dublin, and I have recently re-affirmed my commitment on this matter to the promoters of Coláiste Mhéanscoil.
Following examination by my Department it was indicated that there would be significant demand for such a facility in view of the growth in the number of all-Irish primary schools in North Dublin. This examination also highlighted the fact that there is surplus post-primary accommodation in some schools in the area.
Earlier this year, one of the schools concerned offered the use of its surplus accommodation to the promoters of the all-Irish facility. The school in question has a strong disposition towards the Irish language and its teaching staff was very supportive of the proposed initiative. The offer involved immediate access to satisfactory class room accommodation and as much autonomy as was practicable within the existing management structure. If the offer had been accepted, it would have enabled an all-Irish post-primary facility to commence in September 1999. Regrettably, however, the offer was refused on the basis that the promoters wished to have a fully independent school.
I appreciate the considerations that led the promoters to reject the offer but I am aware, also, of existing arrangements of this nature operating successfully as part of a second level school. In addition, as Minister for Education and Science, I have overall responsibility to ensure that the use of existing school accommodation is maximised.
I had a constructive meeting with the promoters on Wednesday 13 October 1999 at which they made a number of points to me. I undertook to consider the points made and I will be in touch with them again as soon as I have examined other alternatives.