Michael Moynihan (Cork North-West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Senator for her question. While I might be able to bluff my way through with some Irish, it is of great embarrassment to me that I am unable to respond to the Senator in Irish. Tá brón orm.

I have an official statement from the Department. I will refer to the Senator's questions at the end of my contribution. The Department is fully supportive and remains committed to the establishment of the Gaelcholáiste in the south of Dublin city. The Department is currently working with the Edmund Rice Schools Trust as patron of Synge Street CBS and the school management to ensure there is continued and clear engagement on a successful transition of Synge Street CBS from an all-boys English-medium school to a coeducational Gaelcholáiste on a phased basis from September 2026. There has been a growing need for a Gaelcholáiste in the south of Dublin city to serve the five Gaelscoileanna in the area, one of which is Bunscoil Synge Street, which is located beside Synge Street CBS and transitioned from an English-medium school to a Gaelscoil in recent years. The first phase of this transition will involve the first year intake only. Provision is also being made for students currently learning through English to enable them to complete their academic journey through the school.

In respect of staff engagements, staff from the Department of Education visited the school recently and met teaching staff and others to discuss their career opportunities and the best options as the school transitions to a Gaelcholáiste on a phased basis. Staff from Chomhairle um Oideachas Gaeltachta and Gaelscolaíochta, COGG, and Oide, the Department of Education-funded teacher professional learning service, also met the staff and outlined the professional learning opportunities available to staff to support them in teaching through the medium of Irish, including with language competency, and both agencies will be available to provide support to staff who are interested in remaining in the school and teaching through Irish. These supports for staff will continue as the project moves forward. With respect to board representation, the existing board of management for Synge Street CBS will remain in place for the duration of its term in accordance with the articles of management of the school. In relation to the intake policy for the school, this is a matter for the patrons of the school, which is the Edmund Rice Schools Trust, to agree in conjunction with other relevant parties. The Department is aware of the need to provide an immersion educational experience for the students in the new Gaelcholáiste. It is recognised that this may be challenging as the school transitions from an English-medium school to an Irish-medium setting. However, the Department is committed to working with the school, the relevant staff, the bodies, the patrons and all concerned.

As regards the issues raised by the Senator, she asked me five specific questions. I will get clear answers to these questions from the Department and respond directly to her, if that is okay.