Sir, – Minister for Education Hildegarde Naughton’s recent statement that there are no plans to establish any new Irish-language primary or secondary schools before 2032 will come as a disappointment to many families across Ireland, particularly those of us campaigning for a Gaelcholáiste (secondary school) in Co Mayo (“Coalition row looms with no new Irish-language schools planned to open until 2032″, Politics, June 1st).
We are encouraged, however, by Minister for the Gaeltacht Dara Calleary’s recognition of the need for a clear educational pathway for students wishing to continue their education through Irish. We are grateful for his vision in highlighting the importance of expanding Irish-medium education and ensuring that young people are not forced to abandon that route at second level.
As your article states, 60 per cent of children attending Gaelscoileanna (primary schools) cannot continue their education through Irish at second level. Hopefully, Calleary’s intervention will lead to practical solutions, including the establishment of a Gaelcholáiste in Co Mayo. – Yours, etc,
EMER MAYOCK,
RM Block
FRAINC Ó CLOCHARTAIGH,
FREDA Nic GIOLLA CHATHÁIN,
THÈRÉSE RUANE,
Feachtas Ghaelcholáiste Mhaigh Eo,
Castlebar,
Co Mayo.
