Review of policy on Gaelscoileanna hinted

WHAT could be more important for Ireland in Atlanta than Michelle Smith's triple win? The swimmer's recognition of her own "teanga" over there, the Joint Oireachtas Committee on the Irish Language was told yesterday.

That she came from a Gaelscoil was significant, the Fianna Fail TD and MEP, Mr Pat The Cope Gallagher, (Donegal South West) said during yesterday's meeting with the Minister for Education, Ms Breathnach. Michelle Smith drew attention to Ireland's identity through her use of Irish, Mr Gallagher said.

But the State policy of positive discrimination towards Gaelscoileanna might have to be looked at, the Minister said during questions. Responding to Mr Donal Moynihan (FF, Cork North West), she said Gaelscoileanna had been favoured since 1981 with better pupil/teacher ratios and other factors.

The Minister was addressing the committee on the role of her Department in the promotion of Irish within the school system.

Clearly, there would not have been the same commitment by parents if such favoured treatment had not been given, the Minister said. With a fall in the number of primary pupils, the committee's question would be "noted", she said. There are 86 Gaelscoileanna at primary level.