Gaelscoil Issues

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 January 2015

Tuesday, 27 January 2015

Ceisteanna (494)

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

494. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the extent to which she continues to examine the case put forward by promoters in Leixlip, County Kildare, for the provision of a Gaelcholáiste in the area; her views on the need for this much sought after coláiste as put forward by the proposals in view of the increasing population in the area and the demand arising from the feeder schools (details supplied); if she will address these issues in early date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3902/15]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education and Skills

My Department is currently examining the extent and location of additional post-primary places that will be needed on a nationwide basis from 2017 onwards. This will include an examination of the north Kildare area. A submission recently received from An Foras Pátrúnachta in relation to all-Irish provision in north Kildare will be taken into consideration as part of this examination.

In the meantime, my Department has clearly indicated that it is open to the idea of the establishment of an independent Gaelcholáiste for the north Kildare area. My Department has already committed to consider this if sufficient and viable demand for education through the medium of Irish in the Aonad in Maynooth is demonstrated over a four-year cycle.