Minister visits Coláiste Feirste

Education Minister Caitríona Ruane has welcomed President Mary McAleese to Coláiste Feirste, Belfast.

While at Coláiste Feirste, the Minister and the President met with staff and pupils and enjoyed a presentation from a number of the students. Speaking at the event the Minister said: “I am happy to be in Coláiste Feirste this morning to welcome President Mary McAleese to the school. Coláiste Feirste provides education through the medium of the Irish language to pupils across the north of Ireland and is a flagship project.

“When Coláiste Feirste originally opened its doors in 1991 it was with a small number of students in temporary classrooms. Since then the school has seen a steady increase in enrolments. This is testament to the growing demand for Irish language schools in the North of Ireland. The Irish Medium sector is alive, thriving and it is great to see more and more parents sending their children to Irish speaking schools.”

Notes to editors:

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