Lynn Ruane (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I fully support the Sinn Féin amendment, mainly because I do not think many students from English-language primary schools make the shift to Irish-language schools at second level. The amendment will provide protection in some regions and some places.

I do not support the amendment tabled by my colleague, Senator Grace O'Sullivan, which would apply further down the age bracket. I know it involves the same principle, but at a much earlier stage. It is not the case that there is a naíonra attached to every Gaelscoil. If it is decided that a child from outside the community who has access to a naíonra in his or her own community should travel to a Gaelscoil in a different community, that could disadvantage children from the locality who want to go to their local Gaelscoil.

Many schools with prefabs have limited numbers of places in their naíonraí. Therefore, the classes are much smaller than the junior and senior infant classes. My daughter did not get a place in a naíonra. I was lucky enough to be able to put her in a private Irish-speaking crèche. This meant she started speaking Irish from the age of one or two, which gave her an advantage. If this rule had applied, she would not have had priority based on having attended a naíonra. I oppose amendment No. 18, but I support amendment No. 16.