Barry Ward
Question:503. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Education and Youth her views on the importance of promoting the provision of Gaelscoileanna and Gaelcholáistí; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28322/26]
View answerTuesday, 21 April 2026
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Written answers
The Programme for Government includes a commitment to expand opportunities for pupils and students to attend Gaelscoileanna and Gaelcholáistí, to establish Gaelscoileanna and Gaelcholáistí where there is demand, and also, to support parents choosing Irish-medium education for their children.
The Policy for Irish-Medium Education outside of the Gaeltacht was launched in November 2025. A key action under this policy is the establishment of a Taskforce on Models of Provision for Irish-Medium Education, which will provide a platform for collaboration between my department and key stakeholders to develop a pathway to increase provision of Irish-medium education.
It is intended that 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 all models of provision, including related language-based criteria
• how inclusive, high-quality Irish-medium education can be provided within each model along the continuum
• 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/educational settings can transition from one model to another on the continuum, 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 expansion of provision of Irish-medium education.
A range of organisations and stakeholders whose input will be important in agreeing 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 period.
I look forward to the outcome of this taskforce, and I hope that stakeholders will seize the opportunities it will provide to strengthen and expand Irish-medium education provision.