Gaeilge, Gaeltacht and Islands - Department of Arts, Heritage

Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht
Gaeilge, Gaeltacht and Islands
September 2015
Commemorating 1916 – A new cultural
and visitor centre at Pearse’s Cottage
An Taoiseach, Enda Kenny, T.D turned the first sod for a new cultural and
visitor centre at Pearse’s Cottage, Ros Muc, County Galway on 6 July 2015. The
centre is one of the eight flagship capital projects which form a core part of the
Historical Reflection strand of the Ireland 2016 Centenary Programme, the yearlong programme of activities to commemorate the events of the 1916 Rising.
Pearse's Cottage is set in the striking landscape of Ros Muc where Patrick
Pearse, one of the leaders of the 1916 Rising, spent his summers from 1909 to
1915. The new centre at Pearse's Cottage will provide visitors to the
Connemara Gaeltacht the opportunity to engage actively with contemporary
Irish language and culture.
Welcome to the first edition of the
Department of Arts, Heritage and the
Gaeltacht’s newsletter on Irish Language,
Gaeltacht and Island developments.
The purpose of this newsletter is to give an
overview of the Department’s ongoing
programme of work in supporting the
development of Gaeltacht communities,
nurturing and promoting the Irish
language and improving the quality of life
on our islands.
The Department’s work in these important
areas is undertaken in collaboration with a
wide range of stakeholders, including
government departments, state agencies,
local authorities, and, most importantly,
local voluntary communities the length
and breadth of the country. Their
continued cooperation is very much valued
and appreciated and ensures a successful
outcome for the various programmes and
projects.
Since my appointment as Minister of State
for Gaeltacht Affairs in July 2014, I have
been very impressed by the amount of
work that is underway and by the goodwill,
professionalism and commitment of all
involved. I am privileged to be able to play
my part in this very important work of
safeguarding our linguistic and cultural
heritage for the future.
Dermot Mc Cabe of Simon J. Kelly Architects, Seán Kyne T.D., An Taoiseach,
Enda Kenny T.D., Minister of State for Gaeltacht Affairs,
Joe McHugh T.D. and Brian Walsh T.D.
“I believe that the centre will become a focal point in attracting visitors to
an area which has so much to offer in terms of language, culture and
heritage and will highlight the outstanding natural beauty of Connemara. It
is also important that the location at Pearse’s Cottage is to be a key
discovery point on the Wild Atlantic Way.” An Taoiseach.
The development will comprise four elements including a new visitor centre,
Cosán Chonamara (consisting of 5 hectares including looped walks), Slí na
Coille (an interpretative space focusing on aspects of Patrick Pearse’s life and
work) and the existing Pearse's Cottage. The development of the new centre is
being led by Údarás na Gaeltachta as part of a steering group comprising
Galway County Council, the Office of Public Works, Fáilte Ireland and the
Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht.
1
Contact Us: www.ahg.gov.ie

[email protected]
 (01) 631 3800 / (091) 503 700
ÉIRE 2016
‘TECHSPACE AS GAEILGE’
An Teanga Bheo
Developing 21st century skills through a
high quality ICT youth programme.
The Irish language is an integral element of the
Ireland 2016 Centenary Programme. The
Department of Arts, Heritage and the
Gaeltacht is coordinating the Irish Language
Programme in conjunction with a wide range of
key stakeholders. An Teanga Bheo focuses on
delivering a distinctive range of events and
activities through Irish. The main focus of the
Irish Language Programme will be:
Techspace as Gaeilge is an innovative project aimed at young
people interested in developing their experience and skills in
digital media. It is a joint enterprise between the Department
of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht and Camara Ireland Ltd.
 to align each component part of the
programme with the 5 key themes of
remembering,
reconciling,
presenting,
imagining and celebrating the historical
events of 1916, insofar as they relate to the
Irish language and the Gaeltacht;
 to showcase the language as a vibrant and
unique element of our identity, society,
history and culture;
 to stimulate public awareness, participation,
debate, reflection and re-imagining around
the Irish language, past, present and future;
 to highlight the importance and intrinsic
value of the Gaeltacht, and
 to stimulate young people’s interest and
participation in the Irish Language
Programme of Ireland 2016.
€250,000 has been allocated to the programme
by the Department in 2015 and it is anticipated
that additional funding will be provided in
2016. The programme is organised around the
following key elements: high profile events;
media partnerships; lectures, debates,
seminars;
online
learning
resources;
digitisation programme and arts events.
TechSpace is a national network of digital media spaces in
youth centres and schools. The network helps young people to
create digital and technological material as they engage in
activities such as digital film, web design, mobile app
development and robotics. Under the direction of trained
instructors and mentors, young people can enhance their
computer competency, while improving their self-confidence
and social skills. A TechSpace programme specifically for
people who would like to use it in Irish is now available.
Pictured left at the
launch of Techspace
as Gaeilge - Seán Ó
hÉanaigh, RTÉ RnaG,
Nóirín Ní Chonghaile,
TG4, Rónán Mac Con
Iomaire, RTÉ and
Micheál Ó Foighil,
Coláiste Lurgan.
Launching the programme recently, Minister McHugh said,
“I warmly welcome TechSpace as Gaeilge as it is aimed primarily
at teenagers. As we all know, young people have a huge interest
and particular skills in technology and they are very comfortable
in today's digital age. I have no doubt that this innovative
programme will greatly benefit both them and the Irish
language and that the experience they gain from it will create
substantial employment opportunities for them in the creative
sector in the future.”
TechSpace as Gaeilge, which is being funded under the 20-Year
Strategy for the Irish Language 2010-2030, will engage with
over 375 educators and young people, inspiring them to
develop creative confidence and use the Irish language with
new audiences locally, nationally and globally.
Organisations have been invited to submit
funding proposals under the programme.
These proposals are currently being evaluated
and the approved allocations will be
announced shortly.
Further information: www.ireland.ie.
2
Contact Us: www.ahg.gov.ie

[email protected]
 (01) 631 3800 / (091) 503 700
North Americans presented with awards to study Irish
Lisa Nic an Bhreithimh and Dr. Dara Fitzgerald, Fulbright Commission, James Kelly ICUF, Dr. Aodhán Mac Cormaic and
Séamus Mac Giolla Chomhaill, DAHG pictured with U.S. and Canadian recipients of Gaeltacht Summer Awards in Acadamh
na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge, An Cheathrú Rua.
Earlier this month fifteen U.S. and four Canadian Irish language learners were presented with Gaeltacht Sumer Awards at
Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge, An Cheathrú Rua. Awards were also presented to four Irish Language Instructors selected
by the Ireland Canada University Foundation (ICUF) to teach Irish at a range of locations across Canada for the academic year
2015-16.
These awards are the result of ongoing collaboration between DAHG, the Ireland-United States [Fulbright] Commission for
Educational Exchange and ICUF. They reflect the deep interest in the Irish language in the United States and Canada where,
every year, many Irish language learners choose to attend courses at Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge, An Cheathrú Rua and
other venues. The Awards are instrumental in supporting Irish language learners and teachers in North America and offer an
exceptional immersion experience that includes not only Irish language learning, but excursions, traditional Irish music and
story-telling in some of Ireland’s most picturesque locations. The awards are financed in partnership with universities and
institutions in both the U.S. States and Canada.
The new Executive Director of the Ireland – United States [Fulbright] Commission for Educational Exchange, Dr Dara FitzGerald
said “The Gaeltacht Summer Awards, now in their fifth year, continue to expand and attract a diverse range of applicants. These
awards complement the Commission’s core Fulbright awards by providing short immersive experiences for U.S. citizens in
Ireland’s rich language and culture. We welcome the Irish Government’s continued support for this program which has enabled
67 U.S. citizens in total to visit Ireland and take part in Gaeltacht courses this summer.”
Chief Executive Officer of ICUF, James Kelly said “Ireland and Canada enjoy a rich shared culture and heritage, with a
remarkable 4.5 million Canadians tracing their ancestry back to Ireland. This year, we are appointing six Irish Language
instructors who will bring the Irish language and culture to universities and communities across Canada over the coming
academic year. We have also awarded 18 scholarships to Canadian students to attend intensive Irish language courses here in
the Gaeltacht. For Irish and Canadian scholars alike, this is a most exciting and formative experience, as this programme enables
a new generation to explore and contribute to a deeper understanding of the connection between our two countries.”
3
Contact Us: www.ahg.gov.ie

[email protected]
 (01) 631 3800 / (091) 503 700
The 20-Year Strategy for the Irish Language 2010-2030
The 20-Year Strategy for the Irish Language 2010-2030 is the cornerstone of the Government’s policy with regard
to the Irish language. The Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht is responsible for coordinating the
implementation of the Strategy in conjunction with a wide range of key stakeholders.
The Strategy sets out areas of action under nine key headings. These are Education, The Gaeltacht, Family
Transmission of the Language, Administration, Services and Community, Media and Technology, Dictionaries,
Legislation and Status, Economic Life and Cross-cutting Initiatives.
The Language Planning Process under the Gaeltacht Act 2012
The Gaeltacht Act 2012, which forms a key part of the Strategy, provides the legislative framework for the
systematic implementation of the language planning process under the Act. This process is being implemented by
DAHG in conjunction with Údarás na Gaeltachta and Foras na Gaeilge. Insofar as the Gaeltacht is concerned, 13 of
the 26 Gaeltacht Language Planning Areas have begun the language planning process. The roll-out of the process
for the remaining 13 Gaeltacht Language Planning Areas will continue in 2015 and 2016. Funding of €200,000 was
allocated by the Department to Údarás na Gaeltachta in 2014 and again in 2015 to assist organisations involved in
the preparation of language plans.
Gaeltacht Service Towns
Following a public consultation process a list of towns which may be designated as Gaeltacht Service Towns was
published in December 2014, with priority being given to Galway City, Letterkenny and Daingean Uí Chúis. The full
list of towns is as follows:
Irish Language Networks
County
Town
Donegal
Letterkenny
An Clochán Liath
Donegal Town
Béal an Mhuirthead
Castlebar
Ballinrobe
Galway City
Clifden
Daingean Uí Chúis
Tralee
Cahersiveen
Cork City
Macroom
Dungarvan
Athboy
Navan
Mayo
Galway
Kerry
Cork
Waterford
Meath
Irish Language Networks are areas which have achieved
a basic critical mass of community and State support for
the Irish language. Recognition under the Act will be
given to Irish Language Networks on the basis of
language plans that will be agreed with the communities
of the various networks in accordance with the
prescribed language planning criteria.
Foras na Gaeilge is responsible under the Act for
supporting organisations with regard to the preparation
and implementation of the language plans in the Irish
Language Networks and expressions of interest from
organisations in areas which could ultimately be
designated as Irish Language Networks have recently
been sought. It is hoped that organisations will be
selected to prepare plans by the end of 2015.
The latest progress reports by relevant Government departments on the implementation of the 20 Year
Strategy are available at: http://www.ahg.gov.ie/en/20-YearStrategyfortheIrishLanguage20102030/ImplementationoftheStrategy/.
4
Contact Us: www.ahg.gov.ie

[email protected]
 (01) 631 3800 / (091) 503 700
Aran LIFE
The AranLIFE project is a demonstration
project operating on the three Aran
Islands over the 4 year period from
2014-2017. The total budget for the
project is €2,597,685 with 75% of the
funding coming from the European
Union’s
LIFE+
programme.
The
remaining 25% is being contributed by
the following partners: the Department
of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht,
Teagasc, the Heritage Council, the
Department of Agriculture, Food and the
Marine, Galway County Council and
Fáilte Ireland.
68 farms across the three Aran islands
are participating in the project with the
objective
of
developing
and
demonstrating the best conservation
management practices of local farmers
on the designated Natura 2000 sites on
the islands. These sites are protected
habitats for flora and fauna of European
importance.
The project is focusing on the farming
activities on the islands within the
Natura designated sites. It is harnessing
local farming knowledge and experience
with the scientific expertise of other
project partners to overcome some of
the challenges of island farming and to
improve the conservation status of the
designated sites.
A team of three is working on the
project and is based on the Aran Islands
for the 4 years of the project. They will
work with members of the farming
communities on each of the islands over
that period on a wide range of actions,
both on the islands and in the wider
community.
Further information regarding the
programme is available on DAHG’s
website or aranlife.ie.
5
Contact Us: www.ahg.gov.ie

[email protected]
 (01) 631 3800 / (091) 503 700
Irish Language and Enterprise Development Centre
Baile an Fheirtéaraigh, Co Kerry
The Minister of State for the Diaspora, Jimmy Deenihan T.D., performed the official opening of the Irish language and
enterprise centre, Lárionad Forbartha Gaeilge agus Gaeltachta, in Baile an Fheirtéaraigh on 26 June 2015. The new centre
has an area of 1,400 square metres and will provide a range of Irish language based activities and courses. The centre
contains a number of enterprise units, and offers valuable services and facilities for the local community.
Almost €2m of the overall development cost of €3.5 million was provided by the Department of Arts, Heritage and
Gaeltacht, while Údarás na Gaeltachta and Comharchumann Forbartha Chorca Dhuibhne funded the remaining cost.
Minister Deenihan said he was pleased that the State has made such a significant investment in this important Gaeltacht
area.
Comharchumann Forbartha Chorca Dhuibhne and its subsidiary companies, Coláistí Chorca Dhuibhne and Oidhreacht
Chorca Dhuibhne, are located in the Lárionad. The development also includes an Irish language family support centre,
preschool facilities and a public playground, as well as enterprise units which are owned by Údarás na Gaeltachta and
available for lease to new businesses.
The Comharchumann has a central role in the economic, social and linguistic development of the Corca Dhuibhne
peninsula and is extremely proud of this development centre. The Lárionad will ensure that there is a permanent facility
available in the area that will benefit the community, support the maintenance of the Irish language and provide
employment for generations to come.
“2,500 students will attend courses in the
Lárionad this year, and these courses will be
worth €7 million to the Corca Dhuibhne
economy. This development now ensures that
the business development needs of Corca
Dhuibhne are catered for and will help
attract more employment to the area.”
Gearóid Ó Brosnacháin, Bainisteoir,
Oidhreacht Chorca Dhuibhne.
Comharchumann Forbartha Chorca Dhuibhne has pioneered Irish language activities in the area for many years and this
new centre will further strengthen and develop this work. In addition to capital funding, DAHG also provides current
funding of some €0.5m to Oidhreacht Chorca Dhuibhne to organise a range of language planning initiatives.
6
Contact Us: www.ahg.gov.ie

[email protected]
 (01) 631 3800 / (091) 503 700
Randox Teoranta, Dungloe
The Government has given approval to an investment by Údarás na Gaeltachta of €5m in R&D grant assistance
to be paid over a period of 5 years to Randox Teo in An Clochán Liath, Co. Donegal. This investment will enable
Randox Teo to develop its facility at An Clochán Liath as a world class R&D centre of excellence for biochip
technology and diagnostic equipment as envisaged under the company's strategy entitled Dungloe 2020.
Dr. Peter FitzGerald, Managing Director of Randox Laboratories Ltd, Minister of State for Gaeltacht Affairs, Joe
McHughT.D., Anna Ní Ghallachair ,Chairperson of Údarás na Gaeltachta and
Dr Ciaran Richardson , Chief Research Scientist at Randox Ltd.
Randox Teo was established in 2008 in An Clochán Liath. The company currently employs 85 people there and
will recruit an additional 40 people by the end of 2015. Randox Teo is part of the global group, Randox
Holdings Ltd, which is among the top 20 biochemical diagnostic companies in the world and is a global brand
with its products being sold in over 145 countries.
Welcoming this major investment, Minister McHugh said: "This decision shows the Government’s
commitment to consolidating employment in areas such as An Clochán Liath in order to sustain viable, rural
communities and, in particular, to support the Irish language as the community language in a strong Gaeltacht
area. In the context of the Government’s Action Plan for Jobs 2015, which has a particular focus on regional
development, I am particularly pleased to note that Randox Teo plans to have 125 employees in An Clochán
Liath by the end of 2015 and that an employment target of 450 jobs will be reached by the end of 2020."
According to Údarás na Gaeltachta, the development of Randox over the coming years will also see the
company investing a further €25m in its operations in An Clochán Liath in the period up to 2020 and this will
have further benefits for the whole North West region, particularly in the areas of engineering and life
sciences. For more information visit www.udaras.ie.
.
7
Contact Us: www.ahg.gov.ie

[email protected]
 (01) 631 3800 / (091) 503 700
HELIPAD FOR TORY ISLAND
Work has begun on the construction of a new helipad on
Toraigh Island. Funding in the order of €250,000 is being
provided by the Department of Arts, Heritage and the
Gaeltacht to Donegal County Council for this development.
The winter helicopter service to Toraigh is a vital service for
the island community during times when ferry travel is
difficult due to weather conditions. This new development
will facilitate the provision of safer access to the island.
Irish in the EU
The Irish language was given full official and working
language status in the EU from 2007. However, because
of recruitment and resource concerns, temporary
derogations were put in place to cover the period 2007
to 2011 and 2012 to 2016. A unanimous decision by the
Council of the EU is required on whether to end, amend
or extend the derogation from 2017.
The Government places major importance on Irish
becoming a full working language of the EU institutions
and is committed to ending the derogation. The
Government, however, is also conscious of concerns
about the recruitment of sufficient numbers of Irish
language translators, lawyer linguists and translation
assistants and the resource implications during a period
of adjustment by the EU institutions.
It is in this context that the Government is seeking
agreement at the Council of the European Union for a
Council Regulation extending the derogation for
another 5 years with a view to the derogation ending
on 31 December 2021. An incremental approach to the
provision of additional services is also being proposed
so as to narrow the scope of the derogation in the
interim period.
NEW FUNDING ARRANGEMENTS
FOR NON-GAELTACHT ISLANDS
In tandem with this approach, the Government is also
taking significant steps to create the circumstances in
which a sufficient number of qualified graduates are in
place to meet EU recruitment needs.
In recent years, funding for the development companies on
the non-Gaeltacht islands has been provided by the
Department of Environment, Community and Local
Government.
Following a review of the Advanced Irish Language
Skills Initiative which is funded by DAHG, new
arrangements for relevant third-level courses are
currently being implemented by DAHG in conjunction
with the Department of Education and Skills and the
Higher Education Authority.
Following changes to the funding model for local
development companies earlier this year, the continuation
of the work of these organisations was in doubt. Arising
from discussions that the Minister of State for Gaeltacht
Affairs, Joe McHugh TD, had with Minister Alan Kelly and
Minister of State Ann Phelan at the Department of
Environment, Community and Local Government,
agreement was reached regarding the funding of these
development companies.
These new arrangements, which include an increased
focus on competence in 3 official languages, will be in
place in the third-level institutions from autumn 2015.
These arrangements are aimed at improving the
success rate in EU recruitment competitions and at
better equipping graduates for employment in the EU
institutions.
As a result, funding of over €300,000 has been secured
between both Departments to ensure that there will be no
reduction in funding for the organisations in comparison
with 2014. Comhar na nOileán Teo will be responsible for
administering the fund in 2015.
8
Contact Us: www.ahg.gov.ie

[email protected]
 (01) 631 3800 / (091) 503 700
Irish Language Learners Scheme
Under the Irish Language Learners Scheme (Scéim na bhFoghlaimeoirí Gaeilge), the Department provides assistance to Gaeltacht
households which accommodate students attending Irish colleges in the Gaeltacht. This gives students the opportunity to gain
natural fluency in Irish through their contact with native Irish speakers. Scéim na bhFoghlaimeoirí Gaeilge is an excellent example of
sustainable cultural tourism in the Gaeltacht. These Summer Colleges, which have a central role in the 20-Year Strategy for the Irish
Language, are vitally important to the Gaeltacht – both economically and culturally.
In recent years overall responsibility for the Irish Summer Colleges was assigned to
the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht and the services being provided
by the colleges and the households accommodating the students are being
constantly improved. These services include appropriate training, improved
instruction and enhanced safety and security measures. There are clear and robust
child protection procedures in place in Irish summer colleges and in households
accommodating students.
In addition the Department, in cooperation with Comhchoiste Náisiúnta na gColáistí
Samhraidh (CONCOS), the umbrella organisation for the colleges, assists with the
training and coaching of college employees with regard to the implementation of
Children First guidelines, both
inside and outside the classroom,
County
Families 2014
and in the households where the students are accommodated. Safety measures
Donegal
160
in all recognised households under the scheme conform with the standards laid
down by the Department of Environment, Community and Local Government.
Mayo
37
Scholarships are provided from time to time by various Irish language, cultural
Galway
337
and sporting organisations, as well as several local authorities, to assist
Kerry
45
students wishing to attend an Irish Language College in the Gaeltacht. Some of
the Irish colleges themselves also offer scholarships.
Cork
14
Waterford
11
Meath
9
The report entitled Tionchar na gColáistí Gaeilge ar an Teanga agus ar Phobal
na Gaeltachta contains an analysis of the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities
and threats relating to the Irish colleges in the Gaeltacht.
Total
613
(http://www.cogg.ie/wp-content/uploads/tionchar-na-gcolaisti-gaeilge-ar-anteanga-agus-ar-phobal-na-gaeltachta-samhain-2013.pdf) The findings of the study which was published earlier this year are mostly
positive regarding the impact of the Irish colleges.
The Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht will be examining the report’s conclusions, in cooperation with the Department
of Education and Skills, in the context of future policy with
regard to the Irish colleges. In addition, the Department will
2014
be engaging in discussions with CONCOS regarding the
County
Learners
Payments €
report's recommendations, including ways to improve access
to the Irish colleges.
Donegal
4,293
659,543.00
Mayo
3,002
280,438.00
Galway
11,209
2,137,934.50
Kerry
1,562
247,743.00
Cork
652
79,979.50
Waterford
697
78,187.00
Meath
Non
Gaeltacht
Colleges
345
56,924.00
476
41,905.00
Iomlán
22,236
3,582,654
“Thank you Rann na Feirste for the best years of my
life.” A note left by a student after spending four
summers in Coláiste Bhríde, Rann na Feirste.
9
Contact Us: www.ahg.gov.ie

[email protected]
 (01) 631 3800 / (091) 503 700
Ionad Óige na hÉireann, Dromree
Traic Ó Braonáin, Michelle Ní Ghialláin, Minister of State for Gaeltacht Affairs, Joe McHughT.D., and
Caitríona Ní Cheallaigh in Ionad na hÓige, Dromree.
The Minister of State, Joe McHugh T.D., received a very warm welcome when he visited Ionad Óige na
hÉireann, Dromree on 14 July 2015. This youth club – set up in 2011 – comes under the umbrella of Coláiste
na bhFiann, which was established almost 50 years ago so that students attending Irish language summer
colleges would have the opportunity to practise their Irish during the year outside of the classroom situation.
Coláiste na bhFiann is one of the 6 lead organisations appointed by Foras na Gaeilge to promote the Irish
language on an all-island basis. Its main focus is on developing networks and opportunities for young people
to speak Irish in a welcoming environment that encourages a positive attitude towards the language. It's
evident that this work is going from strength to strength with over 3,000 young people already attending 62
Youth Clubs countrywide on a weekly basis under the auspices of Cumann na bhFiann.
The Minister praised the wide range of enjoyable activities organised by Cumann na bhFiann throughout the
year in addition to providing training for all the supervisors. He said that Ionad Óige na hÉireann Dromree
and the other clubs around the country provide the opportunity for young people to develop their own
particular interests through the Irish language. He emphasised the importance of providing social and
contemporary opportunities to keep the Irish language alive and well among the youth.
The Minister's key message for the audience in Dromree was that almost everyone in Ireland has, at the very
least, some Irish words, - Dia dhuit - Más é do thoil é - Go raibh maith agat - Tá fáilte romhat - Ná habair é Dún an doras - Suí síos - Bí ciúin - Slán abhaile – and he recommended that these phrases be used by all on a
regular basis both in conversation and through the powerful platform of social media.
10
Contact Us: www.ahg.gov.ie

[email protected]
 (01) 631 3800 / (091) 503 700
Coláiste Uisce - County Mayo
A grant has been approved by DAHG to enable Coláiste UISCE, An Eachléim, Co. Mayo, to run an Irish course again
this year that is specially tailored for Gaeltacht teenagers and those with a high standard of Irish attending the
country’s Gaelcholáistí. The main objective of this course will be to develop language leadership skills among the
participants. More information is available from the college at [email protected].
NEW POLICY PROPOSALS FOR GAELTACHT EDUCATION
A discussion document, “Policy Proposals for Education Provision in Gaeltacht Areas” was launched on 5 May 2015 by
the Minister for Education and Skills, Jan O Sullivan TD, and the Minister of State for Gaeltacht Affairs, Joe McHugh TD.
The proposals are intended to strengthen Irish-medium education in the Gaeltacht as part of the 20-Year Strategy for
the Irish Language.
The proposals suggest that a range of measures should be introduced to ensure that students receive a high quality
Irish-medium education in Gaeltacht schools. The proposals also suggest the provision of additional resources. These
could include language supports for native speakers, improved teaching resources and professional development for
teachers and principals, and a curriculum relevant to native speakers.
The proposals have been shaped by major research studies on the experiences of Gaeltacht schools and minority
language contexts globally, such as in Wales, Scotland, New Zealand, the Basque country and Canada. The Department
of Education and Skills has been undertaking a widespread consultation process in advance of the final policy being
forwarded to Government for approval.
Contact Details for DAHG
23 Kildare Street, Dublin 2
D02 TD30
Na Forbacha, Co. Galway
H91 KX39
New Road, Killarney, Co. Kerry
V93 A49X
Páirc Gnó Ghaoth Dobhair,
Co. Donegal, F92 AK61
Press & Information Office
[email protected]
Contact Us: www.ahg.gov.ie

(01) 631 3800
LoCall 1890 383 000
(091) 592 555 / 503 700
LoCall 1890 201 401
(064) 662 7300
LoCall 1890 273 000
07495) 36800
(01) 631 3807/ (01) 631 3838
[email protected]
 (01) 631 3800 / (091) 503 700
11