Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 16 July 2026
303. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Education and Youth to provide an update on the implementation of the Government commitment on the provision of language support hours for Irish-medium schools outside the Gaeltacht, which was due to commence in the 2025–2026 academic year; if this language support provision has been implemented at a school (details supplied); if not, when it will be; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54275/26]
View answerThe Policy for Irish-Medium Education outside of the Gaeltacht was launched in November 2025. A key action under the policy is the provision of language support hours for Irish to Irish-medium schools outside of the Gaeltacht on a phased basis. This action aims to support the development of pupils’ and students’ language proficiency and to enhance the richness of their Irish. Language support hours for Irish have been provided to Gaeltacht schools participating in the Gaeltacht School Recognition Scheme since 2018.
The extension of language support hours commenced in the 2025/26 school year with the provision of language support hours to Gaelscoileanna with DEIS status and to Gaelcholáistí. It has been extended for the 2026/27 school year to include Aonaid lán-Ghaeilge (Irish-medium units in English-medium post-primary schools). Further rollout of the language support hours, including to the school in question, will be progressed over the coming years as my department’s budgetary circumstances allow.
