Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 1 July 2026
178. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education and Youth her Department’s plans to assist in meeting the target of 20% of recruits to the public sector to be competent in the Irish language by the end of 2030. [50156/26]
View answerThe Department is committed to supporting the Government’s target of ensuring that 20% of public sector recruits are competent in the Irish language by 2030. The Department recruits' staff with Irish language competencies through Publicjobs for roles where Irish language skills are required. These include, for example, primary and post-primary inspectors, as well as administrative staff recruited to business areas where the provision of services through Irish is required, including the Gaeilge, Irish-Medium and Gaeltacht Education Unit.
The Department also supports the development of Irish language capacity among existing staff through a range of learning and development initiatives. The Staff training and Development Unit provides access to accredited Irish language courses through OneLearning, including TEG-certified programmes delivered by Gaelchultúr. In addition, the Department offers an Irish Language Coaching service to help staff build their confidence in providing services through Irish.
Targeted supports are also available for staff working in specialist areas. For example, the National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) supports psychologists and administrative staff to undertake Irish language training relevant to their work in Gaeltacht areas and Irish-medium schools. Continuing Professional Development and induction programmes for inspectors also include supports to develop Irish language proficiency, including curriculum knowledge and Gaeltacht immersion opportunities. Together, these measures support the Department in strengthening its Irish language capability and contribute to the wider public service target for 2030.
