Jim O'Keeffe (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 162: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the reason the project involving the Ionad Náisiúnta Oideachais at Ballyvourney, County Cork, has not commenced in view of the many commitments made in regard thereto in the past six years and of the extensive consultation that has taken place regarding the project in recent years. [5866/07]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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When the establishment of an Ionad Náisiúnta Oideachais Gaeilge in Baile Bhuirne was announced in 1999 the intention was that it would function as a national centre of excellence to support the teaching of Irish and through Irish, and would engage with education institutions from pre-school to third level.

When the project went to tender, the construction costs were deemed excessive and it did not go ahead. There have been a number of developments since the original announcement. Principal among these was the establishment of An Chomhairle um Oideachas Gaeltachta agus Gaelscolaíochta and the evolution of a new in-service model for teachers.

There is an overlap between the functions of An Chomhairle and the functions envisaged for the Centre in Baile Bhuirne and this has to be addressed. In addition, the new in-service model for teachers will prioritise regionalised access to a full spread of curriculum expertise through the regional education centre network.

In order to clarify the specific rationale and function of the proposed Ionad Náisiúnta Oideachais Gaeilge, officials from my Department together with officials from the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs met with the interested parties. I am currently considering the views expressed by the interested parties at that meeting.