I propose to take Questions Nos. 154 and 236 together.
In the new arrangement, I have made the decision to integrate COGG into the NCCA on an administrative basis. No immediate change will be made to the statutory functions of either COGG or the NCCA. The new arrangements will require COGG and the NCCA to work closely together on the many developments relating to the Gaeilge curricula at both primary and post-primary and the associated materials to support teaching, learning and assessment of Irish.
The new arrangements are intended to strengthen the support that the State can give to the teaching of Irish in Irish medium and other schools. The Department wants to implement the education actions within the 20 Year Strategy for the Irish Language 2010 – 2030; the actions relating to the Irish language both in the Literacy and Numeracy among Children and Young people 2011 – 2020 which was published in 2011 and also the actions within the Framework for Junior Cycle which I published last October.
COGG will retain its staffing complement and its identity. COGG will continue to relate to its partners and public as is current practice. Working on administrative matters with NCCA staff such as accountancy/ operational matters may require some work being carried out through the English language. The statutory functions of COGG are very demanding and the new arrangements will allow COGG to concentrate on its Irish functions while working in a collaborative way with NCCA staff on administrative / operational matters.
