Education Minister, John O’Dowd, has turned down a development proposal for the establishment of a 26 full-time place statutory nursery unit at Gaelscoil na Móna, Belfast.

Explaining the reasons for his decision, Mr O’Dowd commented: "I take my statutory duties in relation to Irish- medium education very seriously. Each development proposal for the establishment of new provision must, however, be carefully considered on the basis of all the information pertinent to the individual case.

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"The Department of Education faces significant financial pressures, particularly on its front-line schools’ budget. Every time that I approve a development proposal for a statutory nursery school, it creates extra pressure on the front-line schools’ budget. Given the current Budget restriction facing my Department it is important that we maximise the impact of available pre-school resources and avoid unnecessary over provision or duplication."

The Minister said he was satisfied that there are already sufficient Irish-medium pre-school places in the local area.

(CD/GK)