Ivana Bacik (Dublin Bay South, Labour)
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407. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills following a statement issued on 19 March 2025 (details supplied), if she will clarify the timeline and process whereby it is proposed to change a school into a Gaelcholáiste; and if more information will be provided to public representatives, staff and the school community. [15350/25]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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My Department is currently working with the Edmund Rice Schools Trust, as the patron of Synge St CBS, and the school management on the transition of Synge St CBS from a single sex, English medium school to a co-educational, Gaelcholáiste to meet the growing demand for a co-educational Gaelcholáiste in the Dublin 2, 4, 6 and 8 area.

This first phase of this transition will involve the 1st year intake only in September 2026. My Department is currently engaging with the school patron with respect to proposed capital investment at the school which will include the facilitation of the transition of the school to a co-educational Gaelcholaiste beginning in September 2026. Provision is also being made for students currently learning through English and who are preparing for state examinations as they progress through the school.

At a practical level, staff from my Department visited the school recently and met with the school staff to discuss their career opportunities and options as the school transitions to a Gaelcholáiste.

Staff from an Chomhairle um Oideachas Gaeltachta & Gaelscolaíochta (COGG), and Oide, the Department of Education funded teacher professional learning (TPL) service, also met with the staff.

They outlined the professional learning opportunities available to staff to support them in teaching through the medium of Irish, both in terms of language competence and pedagogy.

COGG and Oide will both be available to provide support to staff who are interested in remaining in the school and teaching through the medium of Irish.

These supports for staff will continue as the project progresses.