Irish schools 'should link up'

Irish language primary schools should "urgently consider" linking up in federations, to ensure their long-term viability, a report has recommended.

The report into the future of Irish medium education said schools faced problems of small pupil numbers and poor accommodation.

It recommends that groups of schools join under one principal and one board of governors.

Less than 2% of children in Northern Ireland attend Irish language schools.

The independent report has been put out to consultation.

Education Minister Caitríona Ruane said: "There is a legacy of sub-standard accommodation that needs to be addressed along with the important issues of support for educators and availability of resources."