Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 28 May 2026
362. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Education and Youth for an update on the establishment of the taskforce on models of provision for Irish-Medium Education; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41132/26]
View answerThe Policy for Irish-Medium Education outside of the Gaeltacht was launched in November 2025. The establishment of a Taskforce on Models of Provision for Irish-Medium Education was a key action under the policy. It enables collaboration between my department and key stakeholders to identify and co-design approaches to increase the provision of Irish-medium education. The taskforce was established in November 2025 and has already met seven times.
It is intended that the taskforce will make recommendations to me, 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 is important in agreeing recommendations in this area are on the taskforce. I am grateful to the members of the taskforce for their time and commitment in contributing to its work.
I look forward to the outcome of this taskforce, and I hope that stakeholders will take the opportunities it provides to maintain and strengthen the future of Irish-medium education provision.
