Education Minister, John O'Dowd, has approved a development proposal for the establishment of a 26 part-time place statutory nursery unit at Gaelscoil an tSeanchaí, Magherafelt.

Explaining the reasons for his decision, Mr O’Dowd commented: "After carefully considering my Department’s statutory duty to encourage and facilitate Irish-medium education, I have decided to approve this proposal with the modification that it is for 26 part-time, rather than full-time, places.

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"The current provision shows a clear demand for Irish-medium education and Gaelscoil an tSeanchaí, with its associated nursery unit, is the only such setting in the vicinity. It is also the case that children’s proficiency in Irish is assisted greatly by education through that medium from the pre-school stage."

(CD/MH)