Written question asked by Roy Beggs (Ulster Unionist Party) on Wednesday, 23 March 2005, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 4 April 2005. It was answered by Barry Gardiner (Labour) on Monday, 4 April 2005 on behalf of the Northern Ireland Office.

Northern Ireland Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, how many pupils are taught through the Irish language schools sector in the Belfast Education and Library Board area; and what the Government spending on this sector was in the last year for which figures are available.

Answer: Mr. Beggs: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many pupils are taught through the Irish language schools sector in the Belfast Education and Library Board area; and what the Government spending on this sector was in the last year for which figures are available. [224173] Mr. Gardiner: In 2004-05, there are 1,058 pupils taught in grant-aided Irish Medium primary schools, and 442 pupils taught in grant-aided Irish Medium post- primary schools in the Belfast Education and Library Board (BELB) area. In 2003-04, the respective figures were 995 and 406. Based on information contained in the Local Management of Schools Outturn Statement published by the BELB for the financial year 2003-04, a total of £4,011,407 was spent directly on Irish Medium Schools in the Belfast Board area.

Secondary information