Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 17 December 2025
233. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Education and Youth if the Government will consider legislating for a systemic increase in the provision of Irish-medium education in the country over a medium- to long-term basis; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [72752/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Policy for Irish-medium Education Outside of the Gaeltacht was launched on 6 November 2025. Under this policy my department will work to increase the provision of Irish-medium education. The policy sets out the department’s vision that high-quality Irish-medium education will be available to all, in inclusive and multicultural educational settings. A key action under this policy is the establishment of a Taskforce on Models of Provision of Irish-Medium Education, which will provide a platform for collaboration between my department and key stakeholders on this issue. The taskforce has already met twice, and it is anticipated that it will continue to meet monthly until November 2026.
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
• 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 can transition from one model to another, 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 the expansion of Irish-medium provision.
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.
