Shane Moynihan
Ceist:145. Deputy Shane Moynihan asked the Minister for Education and Youth for an update on progress in convening the taskforce on Irish-medium education. [64282/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraWednesday, 19 November 2025
Ceisteanna (145)
Freagraí scríofa
The Policy for Irish-medium Education Outside of the Gaeltacht was launched on 6 November 2025. A key action under this policy is the establishment of a Taskforce on Models of Provision of Irish-Medium Education to provide a platform for collaboration between my department and key stakeholders on this issue. The first meeting of the taskforce was held on 17 November 2025 and it is anticipated that the taskforce will meet monthly over the next twelve months.
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 identifying 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 year.
I look forward to the outcome of this taskforce and I hope that stakeholders will seize the opportunities it will provide to maintain and strengthen the future of Irish-medium education provision.