Pádraig Mac Lochlainn (Donegal North East, Sinn Fein)
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153. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if she will urgently address the serious concerns of parents regarding a range of issues at a school (details supplied) in County Donegal including the fact that their children are being taught in the English language for five subjects; if she will urgently instigate an immediate review of the reasons enrolment levels are so low at the school considering there are four Naíscoil and three Gaelscoil in the school's catchment area that are thriving for many years and that evidences the considerable support for the revival of our native language in Inishowen and in Derry city; and if she is aware that the future of this school is under real threat if urgent action is not taken to address the well documented concerns of parents and the wider community. [2450/16]

Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick City, Labour)
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As the Deputy will be aware, provisional recognition was granted for the establishment of Gaelcholáiste Chineal Eoghain based on pupil projections reaching 60 students. However enrolment figures achieved by the Gaelcholaiste have fallen short of the projected enrolments which has raised concerns about the future sustainability of the Gaelcholáiste. In March 2013, a comprehensive review of the Gaelcholáiste's position was undertaken by the Department's Inspectorate. This review included a wide consultation process with the various stakeholders including parents, Principal, teachers, Board of Management of the Gaelcholáiste, and County Donegal VEC. The review confirmed the commitment by all parties to the preservation of second level educational service through Irish to the community of Inishowen and the neighbouring county of Derry.

As the Deputy will be aware, responsibility for the governance and future development of Colaiste Chineal Eoghain is a matter for Donegal Education and Training Board. However, my Department will consider carefully any proposals that the ETB might submit in relation to the Gaelcholaiste.