THE Minister for Education has made it harder for all Irish schools to obtain recognition in the Republic than in the North, Conradh na Gaeilge has claimed.
The new criteria for recognition of all Irish schools attacked the educational and language rights of parents under the Constitution, said Mr Sean Mac Mathuna, general secretary of the Conradh. They also undermined the Government's strategy for peace in the North, he said.
Mr Mac Mathuna said Mr Michael Ancram, the North's education minister, insisted on an annual intake of 15 new pupils for recognition of an all Irish school. Now, however, Ms Breathnach had increased to 20 the enrolment figure she requires for two consecutive years.
The Conradh launched a national appeal to assist schools which have not been given recognition, and State funding that goes with it. Mr Mac Mathuna said the public response to date had been "most encouraging".