Mr. Caoimhín Ó hEaghra:

Deputy McConalogue mentioned feedback from the Department regarding assessment and access from a primary scoil lán-Ghaeilge to a second level scoil lán-Ghaeilge. It is my understand that the Minister made reference, on a radio show, when he was quizzed on the point in terms of thuismitheoirí lán-Ghaeilge. He made the point that Church of Ireland schools could give priority to students from Church of Ireland or Protestant families and it is a similar situation for Gaelscoileanna. I presume, similar to Deputy Ó Ríordáin, that the logic of parents who raise their children through Irish having access to a scoil la gheailge is being accepted by the Department and I hope it will be reflected.

I welcome Deputy Ó Ríordáin's comment that constitutionally we cannot envisage a situation where a parent who raises their child or children through Irish is left in a situation where they are forced, in whatever manner, to send their child or children to a scoil Bhéarla or scoil lán-Bhéarla. They should, therefore, have access to education through the Irish-medium at primary and second levels. I also believe that they agree with the point made about access. If a child attends a primary lán-ghaeilge then they should go a second level school also. I assume that is understood.