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25 June 2008 - Irish-Medium Unit at st Brigid’s College, Derry, to be phased out

Education Minister Caitríona Ruane has agreed to the closure, on a phased basis, of the Irish-Medium Unit at St Brigid’s College, Carnhill.

Caitríona Ruane said: “It is regrettable that despite the best endeavours of St Brigid’s College and the Council for Catholic Maintained Schools that Irish-medium provision at Coláiste Bhride will be phased out with effect from September 2008.

“Intakes at the unit have been small in number and with no prospect of recovery it is in the best interests of the pupils and the host school if the unit is closed. I would thank the teachers for their commitment to their pupils.”

There is no Year 8 entry in September and pupils remaining in the unit will continue to be taught through the medium of Irish until the end of Year 12.

Notes to Editors:

  1. Coláiste Bhride is the first Irish-Medium Unit to be established at an existing post-primary school here. The unit currently has an enrolment of 27.
  2. The Western Education and Library Board on behalf of the Council for Catholic Maintained Schools published on 2 April 2008 Development Proposal No 205 that the Irish-Medium Unit at St Brigid’s College will be phased out with effect from 1 September 2008.
  3. For media queries, contact the Department of Education Press Office on 028 9127 9701.Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699715440 and your call will be returned.

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