Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 12 July 2016
249. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Education and Skills if his Department currently encourages schools to provide an Irish language medium stream for pupils, where there is clear local demand from parents; if his Department has issued guidelines to schools through circulars or other communication on the way to establish such a stream; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20644/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe process for the establishment of new schools to meet demographic needs and the separate process in relation to the patronage of each new school incorporates consideration of, and the potential for, Irish-medium provision. It is open to all patron bodies and prospective patrons, including patrons involved in Irish-medium provision and indeed any prospective patron which wishes to provide Irish-medium education, to apply for patronage of a new school under the patronage process. Parental preferences for each patron, together with the extent of diversity currently available in the area, are key to decisions in relation to the outcome of this process. In this regard, as part of the application process, prospective patrons must submit completed parental preferences.
Among the issues to be considered, particularly at post-primary level, are the provision of a sufficient range of subject choice for students, appropriate school facilities and sufficient specialist teachers, particularly where an Aonad may be provided within an English-medium school.
It is important that Irish-medium provision is planned and can be delivered in a successful and sustainable way.
