Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick City, Labour) | Oireachtas source

The intention is to give people those choices. The Deputy described what happened in the past, but Gaelscoileanna and Gaelcholáistí around the country have been recognised, have their own patron bodies and are well established. There is no unwillingness on the part of the Government or the Department to support that choice.

The Deputy's point is that there are not enough places in the schools that parents wish their children to attend. The Department must update its data on this issue constantly and respond to it as quickly as we can. Generally, we are responding well to demographic changes and we are replacing prefabs. This is the Department's policy, but if growing numbers in a particular area are causing a problem, we want to deal with it. We have a great deal of data in terms of younger children and the likely demands in particular areas.

The Deputy has raised a serious issue. It is under ongoing review, so I will ensure that we are providing for the young people of north Kildare and Kildare in general.

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