Síle de Valera (Clare, Fianna Fail)

This is another issue that was given a good airing on Committee Stage. It comes down to the kernel of what the Bill will do for children. The education plans will be drawn up for each child and each child will have different needs. Children will have rights whether their first language is English or Irish. Although the amendment refers specifically to Gaelscoileanna, Senator Ryan's point about schools in Gaeltacht areas is noted and the amendment obviously applies across the board. It must do so because, as Senator Fitzgerald said, it would not be fair to any child unless the work for that individual child was done in the child's own first language or the language of his or her choice for the test.

Senator Fitzgerald referred to multiculturalism. I am particularly interested in that facet because one of my responsibilities as Minister of State is to ensure there are courses for those whose first language is not English, namely non-nationals. This legislation, the Equality Act and the Official Languages Act, ensure equality of treatment.

Senator Ulick Burke raised the issue of the physical infrastructure, particularly in Gaelscoileanna and that is a separate matter. I congratulate the Senator for raising those issues. The question of the building programme is of interest to all Members of both Houses.