Action against all-Irish school

A TOTAL of 88 households, representing 120 pupils, have signed up in support of legal action against an all-Irish teaching policy in a school in Dingle, Co Kerry, it was claimed yesterday.

Johnny Ferriter, of the Concerned Parents of Corca Dhuibhne group, expressed satisfaction with the level of support for the High Court case seeking a bilingual policy at Pobalscoil Corca Dhuibhne (PCD).

The group, which is made up of parents demanding bilingual teaching, is bringing the case against the PCD trustees and the Department of Education.

All efforts to resolve the row at the 470-pupil school have failed, so far.

The Concerned Parents have accused Education Minister Mary Hanafin of “standing idly by” while pupils wishing to be taught through English continued to be disadvantaged.

Results of a Department of Education survey of parents and pupils to establish the level of teaching required through Irish, or English, in the school have not yet been announced.

The row, which flared up last August, has caused divisions in the west Kerry gaeltacht community.

For example, another parents group, Tuismitheoirí na Gaeltachta, supports the school’s policy, as do organisations such as Oidhreacht Corca Dhuibhne, Eagraíocht na Scoileanna Gaeltachta and Comharchumann Chorca Dhuibhne.

But, Mr Ferriter said many schools throughout the country successfully operated a bilingual system.

He felt such a system offered the best solution as it would allow both sets of pupils to receive a full education through their preferred language.

In a statement, Concerned Parents referred to a comment by Ms Hanafain, in relation to a “transition period” before the school instructed solely through Irish. “Provision has to be made for now and for the future for those who are unable or unwilling to be instructed through Irish only,” Concerned Parents said.”

PCD authorities have insisted that every effort is being made to facilitate pupils whose Irish is weak and have said around 25% of teaching is through English.