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Gnáthamharc

Schools Building Projects.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 November 2004

Tuesday, 9 November 2004

Ceisteanna (276, 277)

Donal Moynihan

Ceist:

338 Mr. D. Moynihan asked the Minister for Education and Science when refurbishment work on the unused Coláiste Íosagain building will commence for the All-Irish Education Centre in Baile Mhuirne, having regard to the fact that funding for the project has already been allocated in this year’s capital programme and the project was announced as far back as 2000. [27884/04]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Donal Moynihan

Ceist:

339 Mr. D. Moynihan asked the Minister for Education and Science the amount of planning which her Department has carried out regarding the education projects which will be carried out at the All-Irish Education Centre in Baile Mhuirne; and when these projects will commence. [27885/04]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 338 and 339 together.

This project was included in section 1 of the 2004 school building programme which was due to proceed to tender and construction in the first quarter of 2004. Issues surrounding the optimum location for the centre subsequently arose and are being investigated. A proposal to house the All-Irish National Education Centre in Coláiste Íosagain, Baile Mhuirne, is being considered in conjunction with the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs. A structural survey of the building is being carried out at present.

The project is being considered as part of a review of all projects which did not proceed to construction as part of the 2004 school building programme with a view to including them as part of a multi-annual programme from 2005. All projects are being assessed against the revised prioritisation criteria published earlier this year following consultation with the education partners. Each project will be assigned a band rating and the progress of all projects will be considered in the context of the multi-annual programme. On conclusion of the current Estimates and budgetary process, I intend to publish the 2005 building programme which will operate in a multi-annual framework.

The national education centre is proposed to support teaching of and through Irish, be a national centre of excellence working closely in collaboration with other bodies across all levels of education, and provide in-career development for teachers. Key functions planned for the centre are the provision of training, resources and research and sharing of best practice for teaching of and through Irish in first and second level schools. The centre will work closely with colleges of education on the pre-service training of teachers to ensure a high quality supply of teachers of Irish and support, where relevant to its remit, the work of other agencies which promote the Irish language. The centre will provide training to teachers, advisers and policy makers.

It is envisaged that An Chomhairle um Oideachas Gaeltachta agus Gaelscolaíochta, established in March 2001 under section 31 of the Education Act, will manage the centre when it becomes operational. Detailed plans will be further developed in conjunction with progress on the building project.

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