New Gaelscoil for Kildare, September 2013 & Parental Survey – Press Release from An Foras Pátrúnachta
January 14, 2013
The Minister for Education, Ruairí Quinn, announced today that a new Gaelscoil is to open in Kildare Town in September of this year. In the same announcement the Minister outlined the commencement of the second phase of the survey of parents on the divestment of schools from the Catholic Church.
Caoimhín Ó hEaghra, Ard Rúnaí An Foras Pátrúnachta, stated that ‘ We are delighted for the people of Kildare Town. There is great demand locally for Irish Medium Education which has been illustrated by the waiting lists for the other Irish Medium schools in the area. Ó hEaghra continued ‘An Foras Pátrúnachta are thankful to the Department for looking favourably on our application on behalf of the people of Kildare Town.”
In relation to the divestment of Catholic schools the second phase of the survey on 38 areas around the country is commencing today. The Minister is asking parents in these areas to complete the online survey before the 8th of February 2013. The survey can be accessed on the Department’s website at www.education.ie or all information can be found at www.foras.ie.
Ó hEaghra stated that “this is a great opportunity for parents who would like Irish Medium education in their area. It is important that parents complete the survey and select an Irish Medium School under An Foras Pátrúnachta.” He went on to say that “we believe that every child has a right to Irish Medium Education if they so wish. This is an opportunity for parents to seek this right for their children.”
An Foras Pátrúnachta has been providing diversity and addressing parents wishes since it was founded in 1993. Comprehensive information relating to this process is available at An Foras Pátrúnachta’s website (www.foras.ie) and we will be available to provide information on the benefits of Irish Medium Education, the multi-denominational ethos and about us as a patron.
For media information, contact:
Caoimhín Ó hEaghra:: 01-6294110 :: eolas@foras.ie
Siobhán Seoighe :: 01-6294110 :: eolas@foras.ie
About An Foras Pátrúnachta:
AN FORAS PÁTRÚNACHTA is the largest patron of Irish medium schools in Ireland at both primary and secondary level. There are 61 primary schools and 3 secondary schools under its patronage. AN FORAS PÁTRÚNACHTA is a patron of Irish-medium schools that have a choice of a Catholic, Multidenominational and Interdenominational (Catholic / Protestant) ethos. The vision of AN FORAS PÁTRÚNACHTA is to develop, strengthen and promote education through the medium of Irish throughout the country. AN FORAS PÁTRÚNACHTA is recognized by the Department of Education and Science as a patronage system which is acceptable and appropriate for first and second level schools. AN FORAS PÁTRÚNACHTA was founded in 1993 so that new gaelscoileanna opening in the coming years would have another choice with regard to patronage.
For more information: www.foras.ie
