Approval of three new Irish medium schools evidence of increasing use of language
Sinn Féin Education Spokesperson, West Belfast MLA Michael Ferguson has
welcomed
the announcement that the Department of Education has approved
three
new Irish medium primary schools that will be eligible for recurrent
and
capital funding as grant-maintained schools from September 2005. The
schools
are Gaelscoil Ghleann Darach in Antrim, Gaelscoil an Lonnain in
West
Belfast and Gaelscoil na gCrann in Omagh.
Mr Ferguson said:
"Throughout
the Six Counties there is increasing demand for Irish medium
education.
It is testament to the hard work and dedication of teachers and
parents
and their enthusiasm that there are three new schools that should
benefit
from both recurrent and capital building funding. It is an
education
that is first class.
"It is a tribute to all those who have
worked tirelessly over the years to
set up, maintain and fund Irish
schools. It is all the more remarkable
given that many Irish medium
schools are often in areas of high
deprivation. The sacrifices made by
parents, teachers and supporters of
these schools have given children
in West Belfast, Omagh and Antrim and
beyond a great start in life.
"The
approval of the request for controlled status is a welcome first
step.
However, we still need to see progress on the issue of
accommodation.
Hopefully this decision will be the start of a process that
sees the
development of first class schools accommodation and facilities
and
long-term security and stability for the staff, parents and children
at
these three schools." ENDS