Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 16 July 2026
61. Deputy Naoise Ó Muirí asked the Minister for Education and Youth to provide an update on the work of the Taskforce on Models of Provision for Irish-Medium Education; the number of meetings held to date; the key issues under consideration; the expected outputs of the taskforce; the timeline for completion; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53964/26]
View answerThe Policy for Irish-Medium Education outside of the Gaeltacht was launched in November 2025. The establishment of the 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 has met eight times to date. Its work is due to be completed towards the end of 2026. I expect to receive recommendations from the taskforce regarding the establishment, development and sustainability of models for the provision of Irish-medium education.
The key issues being considered by the taskforce include:
• 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 reaching 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 this body of work.
