The Department of Education has clarified the position regarding rental payments at Scoil an Droichid, an Irish-medium primary school in South Belfast.

This follows a newspaper article reporting that the school was at risk of eviction as a consequence of a dispute between the Department and the landlord over rental payments.

A spokesman said: "Scoil an Droichid is a thriving Irish-medium school of 140 pupils, serving the South and East Belfast areas. The school opened in 1997 and public monies were used at the time to purchase the land on which the school is sited as well as accommodation for the school.

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"In 2001 the land was transferred to An Droichead Ltd free of charge. Following that transfer An Droichead Ltd sought rental payments. Despite claims to the contrary, the Department gave no assurances that rental income would be paid.

"The Department understands that efforts are underway to resolve the issue between the respective parties. The Department will continue however to support the school and work to secure its future while discharging its responsibilities for the use of public funds."

(CD/GK)