Michael Noonan (Limerick East, Fine Gael)
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Question 309: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the arrangements she is making to ensure that a complete range of suitable textbooks is available for students in Gaelscoileanna and Gaelcholáistí; her views on whether An Gúm should play a part in the provision of such texts; if she is satisfied that An Gúm is adequately staffed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20184/05]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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I am committed to ensuring that suitable high quality text books and teaching materials are developed specifically for use in Gaeltacht and other all-Irish schools. Under the Education Act 1998, An Comhairle um Oideachas Gaeltachta agus Gaelscolaíochta was established in March 2002. One of the main objectives of the chomhairle is the planning and co-ordination of the provision of textbooks and teaching materials in Irish. This objective is reflected in the chomhairle's strategic plan.

In 2005 my Department allocated to the chomhairle €725,000, of which €300,000 is specifically for the provision of textbooks. An audit of the available textbooks has been carried out and significant progress has been made in partnership with Foras na Gaeilge, Údarás na Gaeltachta, the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht affairs and my Department.

In addition, Scéim na nDearthóirí, which is administered by my Department, involves teachers on secondment producing resources and textbooks for the teaching of Irish in Gaeltacht schools and Gaelscoileanna in the primary curriculum for children from infants to sixth class. To date materials for junior infants and senior infants have been completed and first class will be available this September. The editing and publishing of these materials is carried out by An Gúm and I am satisfied that this should continue.

As regards staffing, An Gúm is structurally part of Foras na Gaeilge. I have no responsibility for staffing within Foras na Gaeilge.