Máire Devine (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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161. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills for a detailed plan and timeline for the establishment of the Gaelcholáiste for Dublin 2, 4, 6 and 8; whether the working group between her Department and the patron (details supplied) can meet immediately; to ask for her commitment that the Gaelcholáiste can open to students in September 2026 as promised; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5016/25]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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On the 11th of September 2024, my predecessor as Minister for Education, Norma Foley TD, welcomed the announcement from Edmund Rice Schools Trust (ERST) that CBS Synge Street will transition from an English medium, single-sex post-primary school to a co-educational Irish-medium Gaelcholáiste commencing with the first year intake in the school year 2026/2027.

This will increase the provision for Irish-medium education at post-primary level in the wider South Dublin city area.

Engagement between my department and the patron body is ongoing and we are working together to prepare the school for its transition to a co-educational, Irish medium Gaelcoláiste, on a phased basis, commencing in September 2026.