Department ‘to consider Irish language’ in patronage process
Move does not cater to demand for education through Irish, warns Gaelscoil advocate
Minister for Education Richard Bruton is to decide on the patronage for nine new post-primary schools due to open by September 2018. Photograph: Eric Luke/The Irish Times
A move to incorporate language preference in the process used by the Department of Education when awarding school patronage has been criticised by Irish language body An Foras Pátrúnachta.
The change means it is open to all prospective patron applicants to propose a preference for Irish- or English-medium education in their application in the case of nine new post-primary schools due to open by September 2018.