Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 June 2018
147. Deputy Frank O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education and Skills if the establishment of a Gaelcholáiste (details supplied) will be delayed in view of the fact that the contractor for the campus has been placed in liquidation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27423/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra214. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Education and Skills further to Parliamentary Question No. 178 of 8 May 2018, if a decision has been made as to the individual school authority responsible for the appointment of a principal for a Gaelcholáiste (details supplied); when the post will be advertised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27866/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 147 and 214 together.
Maynooth Community College opened in 2014 with an Irish-medium Aonad and it was stated that should the Aonad demonstrate sufficient viability after four years from its date of establishment, a Gaelcholáiste would be established, in a partnership model between Kildare and Wicklow Education and Training Board (KWETB) and An Foras Pátrúnachta. As part of the Major School Building Projects announcement in November 2015 and in view of the continued support for an independent Gaelcholáiste, it was confirmed that a Gaelcholáiste to serve the North Kildare area will open in 2019, subject to the continued viability of the Irish-medium Aonad at Maynooth Community College.
Department approval is given for the appointment of a school Principal from 1 September of the school year prior to the opening of a new school. Recruitment and appointment of the Principal is dealt with by the individual school authority and in this case, I understand that details of the partnership arrangement for management of the new Gaelcholáiste by KWETB and An Foras Pátrúnachta are currently being worked through.
In relation to the Maynooth Education Campus, this project has been devolved to KWETB. The ETB, its design team and my Department are working together to ensure that a new contractor is appointed as quickly as possible to complete the school buildings for Maynooth Community College and Maynooth post-primary schools. An eTenders notice was published last week seeking expressions of interest from contractors wishing to be considered for the completion of the project. Identification of all outstanding works necessary to complete both schools is also on-going.
KWETB is continuing to examine the options for accommodation for the Gaelcholáiste referred to by the Deputy which will involve consideration of the timing and availability of appropriate infrastructure in the area.
