Vol. 542 No. 5
456 Mr. Creed asked the Minister for Education and Science if he has received a submission from an organisation (details supplied); if he will meet with the sponsors of this proposed development; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25005/01]
I have received a submission from Bord na Gaeilge at National University of Ireland, Cork. This submission forms part of an overall development strategy for third level education in the Gaeltacht, which was developed by an inter-university working group. This group comprises National University of Ireland, Galway, National University of Ireland, Cork, National University of Ireland, Maynooth and Queen's University Belfast.
Having considered the advice of the Higher Education Authority on the matter and having regard to the importance of the Irish language and the magnitude of the costs involved, I agreed that there should be an evaluation of current policy and supports for third level education through Irish for Gaeltacht students and Irish speakers generally. I have asked the Higher Education Authority to make the necessary arrangements and an inter-departmental steering group is being established to oversee the research. I am considering the request for a meeting from Bord na Gaeilge at National University of Ireland, Cork, having regard to my other commitments.
