Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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Question 206: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if she intends to proceed with the establishment of Ionad Oideachais Náisiúnta at a location (details supplied) in County Cork. [33319/10]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South 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. The intention was to provide a key resource that will support and contribute to a national strategy for Irish at all levels of the education system. The capital costs were to be funded by Udaras na Gaeltachta. The commitment to proceed with the centre has been reiterated in the context of the 20 year Strategy for the Irish Language 2010-2030.

My Department is not in a position to proceed with this initiative in the current budgetary climate. However, the matter will be kept under review, and it is the intention that the project will proceed as soon as resources allow.