Ruane approves the establishment of an Irish-Medium Unit at St Joseph’s Grammar School, Donaghmore

The Minister of Education, Caitríona Ruane, has approved a Development Proposal to allow for the establishment of an Irish-medium Unit at St Joseph’s Grammar School, Donaghmore.

The Minister said: “This is an exciting development for the Irish-medium sector, and will go some way towards addressing the longstanding issue of a lack of places at post-primary level for those pupils leaving Irish-medium primary school education in Co Tyrone.

“I congratulate the Trustees of St Joseph’s Grammar School for taking the initiative and for bringing forward this Development Proposal. I look forward to seeing the new unit thrive and develop to its full potential.”

Notes to editors:

1. The Southern Education and Library Board published, on 17 December 2009, Development Proposal No 248 which proposes that an Irish-medium Unit be established at St Joseph’s Grammar School, Donaghmore, with effect from 1 September 2010 or as soon as possible thereafter. It is proposed that the Unit will be co-educational, have an all-ability intake and will operate to provide an Irish-medium stream within the school.
2. St Joseph’s Grammar School is a denominational co-educational voluntary grammar school situated in the village of Donaghmore some four miles from Dungannon.
3. Media queries to the Department of Education Press Office on (028) 9127 9207. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.