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Press release

Minister for Education thanks those who took part in consultation for new policy on Irish-medium education outside the Gaeltacht

The Department of Education has published a series of reports, prepared by the Sealbhú research institute in DCU, which will inform the development of the new policy on Irish-medium education outside of the Gaeltacht. These reports include a review of international literature on education through the medium of minority languages, reports on the various stages of the public consultation undertaken by the department, and a series of resulting policy proposals. The reports are available on the consultation page at: Consultation process to develop a policy on Irish-medium education outside of the Gaeltacht.

The new policy for Irish-medium education outside of Gaeltacht areas will identify actions to achieve the following key objectives:

  • providing a framework for the delivery of high-quality Irish-medium education in Gaelscoileanna and Gaelcholáistí and in Irish-medium early learning and care settings (for example, naíonraí) outside of the Gaeltacht
  • increasing the proportion of children and young people attending Irish-medium schools, including by building on the foundations laid in Irish-medium early learning and care settings (for example, naíonraí)
  • exploring how opportunities for the establishment of Gaelscoileanna and Gaelcholáistí can be increased as part of the patronage process
  • developing a clear policy on the establishment and sustainability of Aonaid/Sruthanna (Irish-medium units/streams) in existing English-medium post-primary schools to strengthen Irish-medium education provision
  • examining how the supply of teachers and other staff with a high standard of Irish can be increased to meet demand in Irish-medium education settings
  • looking at ways to deepen community engagement around Irish-medium schools and early learning and care settings

The Sealbhú research centre was commissioned by the department to carry out a review of literature on Irish-medium and minority language education to inform the development of the policy. The first report in this series contains the researchers’ findings in relation to effective practice in ten different jurisdictions where education is provided through minority languages.

The public consultation generated a significant level of interest. A large number of questionnaires were completed, written submissions were received from a range of stakeholders, and there was a high level of participation in the various focus groups. The Minister for Education Norma Foley thanked those who participated in the consultation and welcomed, in particular, the input of pupils and students in the policy development process:

“I would like to acknowledge the significant response we have had to the consultation that will inform the development of this important policy on Irish-medium education outside of the Gaeltacht. I am particularly pleased that so many pupils and students participated in this process, by completing the online questionnaire and by participating in the focus groups. It is crucial that the voices of children and young people are included in the development of policies that affect them, and I would like to thank the pupils and students, and the teachers who facilitated that engagement.”

Sealbhú was also commissioned to carry out an analysis of the key issues arising from the consultation. The researchers were asked to identify the main trends and themes, and to summarise the range of views, opinions and recommendations shared with the department through the public consultation. In general, there was a lot of interest in and support for Irish-medium education. Those who responded to the survey felt that the department should continue to support the expansion and development of Irish-medium education.

In developing the new policy, the department will draw on these reports, as well as the information shared by stakeholders in bilateral meetings. This information will be considered in light of the existing provision for Irish-medium education and future projections of demand for the education system, as well as the department’s budgetary and legislative context.

Notes

The public consultation for the development of the policy consisted of an online questionnaire, a call for written submissions, and a series of focus groups. Focus groups took place in a number of primary and post-primary schools (both Irish-medium and English-medium) to ensure the views of children and young people were included in the policy development process. Further focus groups took place with parents/guardians, teachers, educators and other stakeholders. Additional information on this is available on: Consultation process to develop a policy on Irish-medium education outside of the Gaeltacht.