Minister Foley congratulates schools on achieving official recognition as Gaeltacht Schools
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From: Department of Education
- Published on: 7 October 2024
- Last updated on: 7 October 2024
Minister for Education, Norma Foley TD, has congratulated the pupils, students and teachers of the 101 primary schools and 19 post-primary schools in Gaeltacht language planning areas that have achieved recognition as Gaeltacht Schools.
The Gaeltacht School Recognition Scheme was launched in 2017 and is a cornerstone of the Policy on Gaeltacht Education. The aim of the Scheme is to support the use of Irish in Gaeltacht communities and to promote the Irish language by strengthening Irish-medium educational provision in Gaeltacht language-planning areas.
The Scheme provides an opportunity for schools in Gaeltacht language-planning areas to seek recognition as Gaeltacht Schools. Schools must meet specific language-based criteria to achieve this recognition. Additional targeted supports are provided to schools to support them in implementing the Scheme. 102 primary schools (including one special school) and 29 post-primary schools in the Gaeltacht are participating in the Scheme in the 2024/25 school year.
Minister for Education, Norma Foley TD, said:
"I would like to congratulate all of the students, teachers and parents of these primary and post-primary schools on their achievement in gaining recognition as Gaeltacht Schools. I would like to pay special tribute to Scoil Tigh Nan Dooley, a special school located in An Cheathrú Rua, which has also achieved Gaeltacht School status.
"Gaeltacht Schools have reached an important milestone in achieving this recognition. A great deal of work has been done by the staff and leaders of the schools, as well as their students, to achieve recognition. I would also like to mention the support of the local language planning officers for the part they played in the process. Schools have also received significant support from the wider community to ensure that a high standard of Irish-medium education is provided across the curriculum."
Minister of State for the Gaeltacht, Thomas Byrne TD, said:
"When the Gaeltacht School Recognition Scheme was established, the Department of Education aimed to revitalise, promote and expand the use of Irish in Gaeltacht school communities. It is clear to me, in my dealings with Gaeltacht communities, that this aim is being met, and that the use of Irish is now being promoted widely in schools.
"I would like to congratulate the pupils and students, teachers and school leaders on achieving recognition for their schools. I would like to thank the school communities for their commitment and dedication in implementing the criteria for recognition."
The Department of Education is holding four regional events for schools who have achieved recognition. The first event – for schools in the Gaeltacht areas in Munster – takes place in Siamsa Tíre, Tralee on 7 October. Schools from Connemara, the Aran Islands and Ráth Chairn/Baile Ghib will meet in the Connemara Coast Hotel in Na Forbacha on 21 October. An event for schools from Mayo and Dúiche Sheoigheach will take place in the Town Hall Theatre in Westport on 22 October. Donegal schools will celebrate in Amharclann Ghaoth Dobhair on 22 October.
Representatives from the schools will attend the events to celebrate their achievements in gaining recognition as Gaeltacht Schools.
Photos to follow from Seán Ó Mainnín.
ENDS
Notes to editor
102 primary schools went through the validation process for recognition as Gaeltacht Schools, and each of those schools is being awarded recognition. Between the validation process and the awarding of recognition, two schools – Scoil Náisiúnta Muire Gan Smál (15032U) and Scoil Náisiúnta Ghleann na Muaidhe (13882L) – have amalgamated. Recognition will be awarded to the new school – Scoil Náisiúnta Cholmcille (20588C).
Progress towards meeting the language-based criteria has been made by all schools participating in the Recognition Scheme. 10 post-primary schools are still on their journeys towards implementation of the criteria and achievement of recognition. One new primary school has entered the Scheme this year. The Department will continue to work in partnership with these schools as they seek to strengthen and expand existing Irish-medium provision.
The following supports are provided to schools participating in the Scheme:
• Language support hours for Irish based on school enrolment
• An annual grant (€1,200) to purchase Irish language teaching resources
• Advice from the Department of Education’s Inspectorate
• Support from An Chomhairle um Oideachas Gaeltachta & Gaelscolaíochta (COGG)
• Guidance for schools
• Sharing of best practice.
Any school located within the Gaeltacht can apply to participate in the Recognition Scheme. Further information is available on Item was unpublished or removed. When they have registered for the Scheme, new schools gain access to supports to assist them on their journey towards recognition as a Gaeltacht School.
