Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 12 December 2006
464 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Science the purpose of her visit to a school (details supplied) in County Cork in June 2000; if she will confirm that she turned a sod for a centre of excellence for the teaching of Irish and teacher facilities; the reason this centre has not been provided; when it will be provided; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42401/06]
Amharc ar fhreagraWhen the establishment of an Ionad Náisiúnta Oideachais Gaeilge in Baile Bhuirne was announced in 1999 the intention was that it would function as a national centre of excellence to support the teaching of Irish and through Irish, and would engage with education institutions from pre-school to third level. It was announced again on 12 June 2000 when the then Minister for Education and Science Dr. Michael Woods signalled the establishment of a "£1.5m all-Irish Education Centre" on the occasion of the turning of the sod on the site on the grounds of Coláiste Íosagáin, Baile Bhuirne, Co. Cork.
When the project went to tender, the construction costs were deemed excessive and it did not go ahead.
There have been a number of developments since the original announcement. Principal among these was the establishment of An Chomhairle um Oideachas Gaeltachta agus Gaelscolaíochta and the evolution of a new in-service model for teachers.
There is an overlap between the functions of An Chomhairle and the functions envisaged for the Centre in Baile Bhuirne and this has to be addressed. In addition, the new in-service model for teachers will prioritise regionalised access to a full spread of curriculum expertise through the regional education centre network.
In order to clarify the specific rationale and function of the proposed Ionad Náisiúnta Oideachais Gaeilge, officials from my Department together with officials from the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs met with the interested parties in June of this year.
Following consideration of the views expressed by the interested parties at that meeting, I expect to be in a position very shortly to make a final decision on the project.
