The Policy for Irish-Medium Education outside of the Gaeltacht was launched in November 2025. The establishment of a 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 was established in November 2025 and has met eight times to date.
It is intended that the taskforce will make recommendations to me by the end of this year, 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 is important in agreeing recommendations in this area are on the taskforce. I am grateful to the members of the taskforce for their time and commitment in contributing to its work.
I look forward to the outcome of this taskforce, and I hope that stakeholders will take the opportunities it provides to maintain and strengthen the future of Irish-medium education provision.
