Thank you, Deputy, for raising this important issue.
The statutory basis for the Education and Training Boards (ETBs) is laid out in the Education and Training Boards Act, 2013 and this legalisation does not set an explicit requirement for the provision of services in Irish.
In relation to your question, SOLAS has advised my officials that there is no dedicated funding stream available to deliver classes through the medium of Irish. ETBs, however, assess the specific needs of local communities to determine the demand for FET programmes to be delivered through Irish. Where such demand exists, ETBs will plan and provide programmes as far as practicable taking account of budget provision. Under the Official Languages Act 2003, ETBs must prepare and implement a Language Scheme that details services currently being provided in English only, Irish only or bilingually. These are available on individual ETB websites.
Several ETBs, particularly those servicing Gaeltacht areas, participate in the Breacadh Scheme. This scheme aims to develop high-quality teaching and learning resources in Irish to support FET services in Gaeltacht areas. Breacadh assists the ETBs by producing books, adult learning materials, and other resources through Irish, and by providing support with tutor training and curriculum development.
Irish language classes are offered across a variety of levels on a sessional, part time and evening class basis. As apt to the needs of the learner, some provision can lead toward preparation for accredited QQI modules from NFQ Level 3 upwards.
I’m sure the Deputy will welcome this pioneering collaboration, whereby Mayo, Sligo, and Leitrim Education and Training Board (MSLETB) have joined forces with Gaelchultúr to offer a Certificate in Professional Irish course. This innovative part-time programme, delivered through the Skills to Advance initiative, caters to professionals aspiring to attain an official language qualification for career progression. The goal of this programme is to give the participants confidence and language skills that will enable them to communicate through Irish in the context of work and socially.
