Pearse Doherty (Sinn Fein)

I note from the script read by the Minister of State on behalf of the Minister for Education and Science one element which should be highlighted. It indicates that gaelscoileanna must be inclusive and this view has been repeatedly advocated by the Department of Education and Science. Gaelscoileanna are inclusive and time and again a challenge has been put to the Department to name one case where a person has been turned away from a gaelscoil. No such case exists and the Department should not be trying to indicate gaelscoileanna are not inclusive. They are a great model that promotes education and the Irish language in this State.

Research was at the heart of the matter I tabled on the Adjournment. There is no indication in the four-page reply that the Minister received any research in taking the decision she did. Where did she come up with the idea to end early Irish language immersion overnight? The practice has been in this State for over 50 years.

The fact that the Minister is ruling out any further research does not make any sense. Perhaps the Minister of State does not know the answer but did the Minister receive any research indicating that the ending of this practice would be beneficial for students? Did she come up with the idea herself or was it some official within the Department of Education and Science who advised her on it? Was it based on any real grounds?