NORTHERN IRELAND: PLEDGE ON IRISH LANGUAGE SCHOOLS FOR NORTH

- Rapport -

Sinn Fein Education Minister designate, Caitriona Ruane, may find herself at odds with DUP Education Committee chairman, Sammy Wilson. It follows a pledge of support for the continued growth of Irish language schools and integrated education - despite the Assembly facing the prospect of significant school closures in Northern Ireland. Ms Ruane,

Cathal Ó Luain pour Celtic League le 6/06/07 21:07

Sinn Fein Education Minister designate, Caitriona Ruane, may find herself at odds with DUP Education Committee chairman, Sammy Wilson.

It follows a pledge of support for the continued growth of Irish language schools and integrated education - despite the Assembly facing the prospect of significant school closures in Northern Ireland.

Ms Ruane, speaking to a Belfast newspaper ahead of her attendance at a fund-raising event at an Irish-medium nursery school in Downpatrick on Friday (27/04/07) said.

"One of the challenges facing me as future Minister for Education will be to take forward the idea of sharing within and between schools. Irish-medium schools offer a valuable educational environment.

I want to support parental choice and to continue to develop both the Irish-medium and integrated sectors.

As with other sectors it is also important that the Irish-medium sector challenges itself by listening to others and discussing possible future opportunities."

Meanwhile, the DUPs Wilson has been strongly critical of the expansion of minority school sectors at a time when pupil numbers are falling. His party is also on record as opposed to an Irish language Act for the North. However given that a pledge on an Act was part of the St Andrews agreement they may be 'swimming against the tide'.

J B Moffatt Director of Information Celtic League

28/04/07

The Celtic League has branches in the six Celtic Countries. It works to promote cooperation between these countries and campaigns on a broad range of political, cultural and environmental matters. It highlights human rights abuse, monitors all military activity and focuses on socio-economic issues. TEL (UK) 01624 877918 MOBILE (UK)07624 491609 (voir le site)

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