Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The Department has received correspondence, as I said, from Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board proposing that Gaelcholáiste an Chláir become a stand-alone school. The enrolments in Gaelcholáiste an Chláir, as I outlined, do not currently appear to be at a level where a stand-alone Gaelcholáiste could be established and the majority of children leaving the Gaelscoil in Ennis are choosing English-medium post-primary education. In that context, certain clarifications and a more detailed proposal were requested from the ETB. That is important. We are showing an openness. We have identified the issue whereby 52 places were available but there were only 22 applicants, of whom only 16 accepted places. There is an openness from us to look at the detailed reply that may come from the ETB and the case it might make, to be solution focused and to drive forward with this.

I absolutely accept there is sár-obair ar siúl ann. There is great work going on there; great dedication. We want to make this possible but we must address the issues that have been highlighted.

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