Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)

The Deputy would get more useful answers by asking the relevant Minister, who has all the departmental files. My Department offered some capital finance to the project but we are only bit players. The Minister for Education and Science could give the Deputy chapter and verse because she has access to all the files. The Deputy is correct that it was proposed to provide a national education centre there. However, it was never proposed to establish a teacher training college. It is a nice idea, however, and we can convey it to the Minister.

A change came about following the establishment of An Chomhairle um Oideachas Gaeltachta agus Gaelscolaíochta. Its ideas have influenced developments. I accept the Deputy's point that it is time for us to come to a firm decision on what should be done with Coláiste Íosagáin. Discussions are ongoing and I hope a decision can be made in the near future. Technical issues in regard to teacher centres are very much in the education realm. Such issues are not my direct responsibility and I would not like to pre-empt anything the Minister for Education and Science might say if the Deputy puts a question to her on the matter.

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