1530. Deputy Michael Murphy asked the Minister for Education and Youth for an update on the proposed transition of a school (details supplied), to a Gaelscoil; when the school can expect direct engagement from the relevant section of her Department regarding its application; the supports required to facilitate the transition, particularly in view of the school’s intention to commence with Naíonáin Shóisearacha in September 2027; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [63804/26]

The Programme for Government includes a commitment to expand opportunities for pupils and students to attend Gaelscoileanna and Gaelcholáistí. The Policy for Irish-Medium Education outside of the Gaeltacht was launched in November 2025, setting out my department’s vision that high-quality Irish-medium education will be available to all, in inclusive and multicultural educational settings.

A Taskforce on Models of Provision for Irish-Medium Education was established in November 2025 as one of the key actions under the Policy for Irish-Medium Education outside of the Gaeltacht. The taskforce is facilitating collaboration between the department and stakeholders to identify ways to increase the provision of Irish-medium education. One of the areas being explored by the taskforce is the transition of English-medium schools to Gaelscoileanna. Work is underway to identify this pathway – the steps to be taken, the decisions to be made, and the supports that would be required.

I can confirm that my department has received correspondence from the school to which the Deputy refers indicating that they would like to consider transitioning to a Gaelscoil. Officials from my department have contacted the school to organise a meeting with them later this month to discuss next steps to be taken regarding this matter.