Brian O'Shea
Question:453 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Education and Science when he will establish the body of persons mentioned in section 31 of the Education Act, 1998; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3465/00]
Written Answers. - Irish Language Programme.
Section 31 of the Education Act provides for the Minister to establish a body of persons to advise him on teaching through Irish and the teaching of Irish in schools. The body will have a role in planning and co-ordinating the provision of textbooks, the provision of support services to schools teaching through the medium of Irish and in the Gaeltacht, and the conduct of research into these matters. The body will also liaise with the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment – NCCA – in the performance of its functions.
It is my intention that this body will be set up shortly. As the Deputy may be aware, the first step in this process has already been taken with the commencement of section 31 of the Education Act in December of last year. It is now my intention to circulate the partners in education with a discussion paper, setting out my proposals on the establishment of the body, and inviting a response to those proposals. The establishment of the body will follow this process of consultation.