Robbie Gallagher (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I understand that there have been discussions on this matter with our spokespersons in the Lower House. It relates to Gaelscoileanna, including secondary schools, and the Minister's proposed admissions policy. I have a couple of questions to which he might reply. What standard of Irish has he in mind when he refers to children speaking Irish in "a non-educational environment"? Who will set that standard? Appeals can be made to the Department, which means that the Department will ultimately set the standard. How can we ensure that the Department will adhere strictly to the criterion of the child speaking Irish in "a non-educational environment"? Does the Minister accept that, if this criterion is not strictly enforced, it could lead to a deluge of applications under the heading? Instead of a child genuinely being able to speak Irish, a cúpla focail taught to him or her would suffice, which could deprive others from Irish-speaking homes a place in Gaelscoileanna. Will the Minister confirm that the attendance at a naíscoil will not in itself qualify a child under the heading of using Irish outside the education system? Will he also confirm whether he is willing to consult with the organisations that have expressed concern about this detail of his proposal to give priority to children from Irish-speaking households when drawing up the guidelines?