Michael Creed
Question:150 Mr. Creed asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will report on the recent meeting with an organisation (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2820/01]
Written Answers. - Irish Language Promotion.
Michael Creed
Question:151 Mr. Creed asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the establishment of a committee or council to organise a new structure for Gaeltacht and gaelscoileanna education, under Section 31 of the Education Act, 1998; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2821/01]
Michael Creed
Question:152 Mr. Creed asked the Minister for Education and Science if, in the context of his proposal to establish a committee or council to organise a new structure for Gaeltacht and gaelscoileanna education, under Section 31 of the Education Act, 1998, he will consider locating the administrative office of the structure in the Muskerry Gaeltacht; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2822/01]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 150, 151, and 152 together.
Section 31 of the Education Act, 1998 makes provision for the establishment of a body of persons to assist and advise on the provision of education through Irish and on Irish language teaching. The functions of the body will be: to plan and co-ordinate the provision of textbooks and aids to learning and teaching through Irish; to advise the Minister on policies relating to the provision and promotion of education through the medium of Irish in recognised schools generally and in schools located in a Gaeltacht area; to conduct research into any matters relating to its functions; to plan and co-ordinate the provision of textbooks and aids to the learning and teaching of Irish and to conduct research into and to advise the Minister on strategies which have as their objective the enhancement of the effectiveness in the teaching of Irish in recognised schools and centres for education.
Following consultation with Irish language groups on the role and structure of the proposed new body, arrangements are now being made for its establishment. Consideration has been given, in this context, to the points raised by the organisation to which the Deputy refers. I hope to be in a position to make an announcement on this matter in the near future.