Gaelscoileanna chief criticises minister’s review plans

PLANS to review the way schools are recognised for state funding and buildings have been criticised by the head of the primary gaelscoil movement.

Education Minister Batt O’Keeffe said this week it is unrealistic to continue granting recognition to every school once it has a minimum number of pupils, as his department is trying to cut costs.

His department already considers population trends and future demand when patrons seek recognition but officials are now likely to also examine the availability and cost of land when applications are received.

However, Gaelscoileanna, which represents 140 all-Irish primary schools, said the minister seems to dismiss parental choice as akin to wanting a school at every crossroads and shows a surprising lack of regard for Irish society’s community-based nature. “The comments attributed to the minister fly in the face of parents’ constitutional right to education for their children and the state’s obligation to protect and nurture the Irish language,” said Gaelscoileanna chief executive Bláthnaid Ní Ghréacháin.

She said they support the need to ensure value for money on buildings but there must be an appreciation of the value of education, of which she said Mr O’Keeffe appears to have lost sight.

Comhdháil Náisiúnta na Gaeilge said Mr O’Keeffe’s suggestions were anti-constitutional and went against the right of parents to choose the best type of education.

Any patron, such as a local bishop, multi-denominational schools group Educate Together or Foras Pátrúnachta, can apply for temporary recognition of a school from the Dept of Education once it has 17 pupils. If it has more than 50 pupils after three years, full recognition can be sought and the State must provide permanent accommodation and pay full staffing costs.