Mr. Caoimhín Ó hEaghra:

Senator Healy Eames referred to wider catchment areas. Traditionally, it has proven to be practical for Gaelscoileanna to draw pupils from such areas.

In the context of the percentage access and the existence of a kind of positive discrimination, I am unsure about percentages being applied. It is important to remember - I do not want this point to become lost in the overall debate - that Irish-medium schools are exactly the same as English-medium schools. The only difference is that children are taught through the medium of Irish. They are employing criteria - with the exception of those we are putting forward today - to give priority to children who speak Irish at home. The rest are the same. An Foras Pátrúnachta's policy is that the highest level of access should be afforded to as many students as possible. This is reflected in the fact that the schools which come under the remit of An Foras Pátrúnachta have different types of ethos, from Catholic to inter-denominational to multi-denominational. Our primary aim is to further Irish-medium education through whatever ethos and to afford access to the greatest number of people possible.

Gabhaim buíochas leis an Seanadóir Ó Clochartaigh as a ráiteas. Maidir leis an gceist i dtaobh straitéis na Gaeilge agus cur chun cinn na Gaeilge, b'fhéidir go leanfaidh mé ar aghaidh as Béarla ar mhaithe le chuile duine an méid a bhfuil le rá agam a chloisint. The role of Irish-medium schools in the context of straitéis na Gaeilge and furthering the language is recognised as being crucial by all. In the context of Department's dealings with straitéis na Gaeilge and its engagement with Irish-medium patrons such as ourselves - An Foras Pátrúnachta is the largest such patron - an economic argument is being put forward at present. The Department will state that its responsibility is to provide places in schools for children and it does not matter to it whether those places are in Gaelscoileanna or other types of school so long as there is a place for each child.