Press release
Review of Advanced Irish Language Skills Initiative – consultancy service sought
From Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media
Published on
Last updated on
From Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media
Published on
Last updated on
The Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media is seeking tenders for the review of the Advanced Irish Language Skills Initiative, and for recommendations on the design and operation of the Initiative until 2030.
The successful provider will analyse the efficacy of the educational, advisory and awareness actions currently funded under the Advanced Irish Language Skills Initiative, as well as the value for money thereof, and the educational, advisory and awareness actions required in the third-level sector for the period 2025-2030. Detailed recommendations relating to these actions will be sought.
Under the Advanced Irish Language Skills Initiative, funding is provided for third-level institutions for specialist courses in which students are provided with education and training in the language skills required for careers using the Irish Language in the EU. The employment opportunities for speakers of Irish have increased greatly since the announcement in 2007 that Irish would be an official language of the EU.
The Invitation to Tender is open for applications on the eTenders platform until 12 March 2024.
Minister of State with responsibility for the Gaeltacht, Patrick O’Donovan, said:
“The Advanced Irish Language Skills initiative has played a valuable role to date in inspiring and training young people to work with the Irish language in Europe. I believe that this Initiative will continue to be important in ensuring we have enough interpreters, translators and lawyer-linguists to meet the Irish Language needs of the European Union. I hope the outcome of this review will help shape the future of this scheme and will give us an opportunity to add to this important Initiative, in light of the continuing needs of European institutions and the needs of the Public Service here in Ireland, in terms of qualified Irish speakers.”
The Invitation to Tender was published on eTenders on 6 February 2024.