Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

In excess of 30 places were available in one school. The other two schools are undergoing technical assessment. I acknowledge the patron for agreeing to do that, that is, to see what the scope is going forward. We will see what will come out of that and what the potential is in terms of reaching 400. If 400 has not been reached, there is the option of the aonad. It is not as if we are not looking at all the options. As Ms Lyons said, some of the schools referred to are not at the put-through level yet of having sixth class young people. However, when they do have a sixth class, that will be another cohort of students who need to be catered for and another body of people who can be added to the mix. We are not walking away from this in any shape or form. We will do all we can to meet the needs that are there. I acknowledge the enthusiasm and goodwill that is there to establish the school.

In the greater scheme of things - I am going to say this to the Deputy straight up - if I had capacity to do it, I would want to see a Gaelcholáiste everywhere accessible to everyone. Being realistic, that will take us some time but that is the ambition of the Department and the policies with which we are engaging and the resources we are putting in, be it for teachers or growing the language or whatever. That is the absolute ambition. It is going to take us time to get there. I appreciate what the Deputy has said and we will continue to keep him informed on how we are keeping it under review.