Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 10 February 2026
621. Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Youth if there are plans to bring forward legislation to ensure that adequate provision is made for Irish medium education; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10138/26]
View answerThe Policy for Irish-medium Education outside of the Gaeltacht was launched in November 2025. Under this policy my department will work to increase the provision of Irish-medium education. The implementation of a range of actions under the policy has already been initiated, including the introduction of additional Irish-language support hours on a phased basis commencing with Irish-medium post-primary schools and Irish-medium primary schools with DEIS status, and the expansion of the e-Hub Project to include Irish-medium post-primary schools outside of the Gaeltacht. In addition, under the school transport scheme, my department provides support for students to travel to their nearest Irish-medium school or Aonad (Irish-medium unit), as long as they meet the other criteria for eligibility for school transport.
A key action under this policy is the establishment of a Taskforce on Models of Provision of Irish-Medium Education, which will provide a platform for collaboration between my department and key stakeholders on this issue. The taskforce has already met twice, and will continue to meet frequently in 2026. The taskforce will make recommendations to my department, setting out:
• the models needed to provide Irish-medium education at primary and post-primary level, including a discussion of the need for changes to existing models if necessary
• definitions of models of provision, including related language-based criteria
• how inclusive, high-quality Irish-medium education can be provided within each model
• what supports schools may need to implement the models effectively
• how to effectively assess the demand for Irish-medium education
• criteria for establishing new Irish-medium education provision through the various models identified, including consideration of the need for changes to the patronage process
• procedures to support schools in the effective transition from an English-medium to an Irish-medium model
• procedures and criteria for how schools can transition from one model to another, in order to increase the provision of Irish-medium education, and the supports they may need to do so
• mechanisms to be put in place to facilitate the expansion of Irish-medium provision.
A range of organisations and stakeholders whose input is important in identifying recommendations in this area have nominated members to the taskforce. I am grateful to the members of the taskforce for their time and commitment in contributing to its body of work over the coming year.
