Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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Question 493: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the situation regarding the proposed development of an Irish language educational facility (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28297/09]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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My Cabinet colleague, the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs and my predecessor Minister Hanafin announced in March 2007 that a support and development initiative for the Irish language under the aegis of An Chomhaire um Oideachas Gaeltachta agus Gaelscolaíochta would be located at Coláiste Íosagáin in Baile Bhúirne and that four additional staff would be assigned to An Chomairle for this purpose.

My Department has been in continuing discussion with the Department of Finance on the grading of these posts. However, they are now affected by the moratorium on public service posts.

A Co-ordinating committee made up of representatives from An Chomhairle um Oideachas Gaeltachta agus Gaelscolaíochta, Údarás na Gaeltachta and Foras na Gaeilge has been set up to advise on cooperative elements of the overall work to be carried out in support of Irish. An Chomhairle um Oideachais Gaeltachta agus Gaelscolaiochta has a budget of €1.234m for the purpose of providing policy advice, research, support services and texts and materials to support the teaching of and through Irish. The Chomhairle has published an extensive resource directory of the materials now available to support the teaching through Irish of subjects at primary and post primary level, and operates a mobile library van so that schools can see at first hand what is available. The Tus Maith primary support service and the Second Level Support Service continue to provide professional development for teachers in this area. In addition, my Department is investing heavily in Séidean Sí materials and resources for Irish medium primary schools.

My Department will continue to build on this investment in the light of the resources available.