Decision reversed on three all Irish school

THE Minister for Education has reversed an earlier decision not to grant recognition to three new all Irish schools. However, Ms Breathnach has confirmed her rejection of applications from a further five schools.

The announcement was greeted with dismay by Gaelscoileanna, the umbrella body for all Irish schools, which accused the Minister of reneging on promises made to the promoters of one of the rejected schools in Ms Breathnach's constituency in Ballybrack.

The newly sanctioned schools are in Trim, Co Meath; White hall, Dublin; and Waterford city Ms Breathnach said yesterday she had approved nine gaelscoileanna out of 14 applications this year.

However, Gaelscoileanna accused the Minister of moving the goalposts once again". "This decision shows a total lack of understanding for planning, for the rights of and for pluralism in education, said a spokeswoman, Ms Jacqueline Ni Fhearghusa.

"This Minister talks about the importance of parental choice but when it comes to a situation where parents are putting this principle, into action, look what happens.

The dispute hinges on the criteria applied for the recognition of new schools, in particular the requirement for a minimum enrolment of 20 pupils. Ms Breathnach's officials yesterday conceded that in the past they had sanctioned schools which accumulated this figure over a number of years. The Department now says it always "meant" that the 20 pupils must be enrolled in one school year.

Four applications were rejected because they failed to meet this target, which the Department sees as evidence of the viability of a school. The schools concerned are in Ballybrack, Ballinamore, Co Leitrim; Clones, Co Monaghan, and Enniscorthy, Co Wexford. Their enrolments this year varied between eight and 17 pupils.

However, Gaelscoileanna said many of its schools had grown quickly from even smaller beginnings. For example, the gaelscoil in Kilrush, Co Clare, started with three children and now has 80 enrolled.

An application from another school in Maynooth, Co Kildare was also rejected on the grounds that the demand for all Irish education was being met by the gaelscoil in neighbouring Kilcock.

Ms Bernie Stapleton, treasurer of the Ballybrack gaelscoil, said parents would "lobby on the doorsteps" against the Minister's decision.