In reaching this decision, I paid particular attention to the context of our support not only for the 20 Year Strategy for the Irish Language 2010 - 2030 but also to the Education Act, 1998, to the Gaeltacht Act 2012, the recommendations in the Literacy and Numeracy for Learning and Life - The National Strategy to Improve Literacy and Numeracy among Children and Young People 2011 - 2020 and to the implementation of the Framework for Junior Cycle which I published last October.
I believe that the co-location of An Chomhairle um Oideachas Gaeltachta agus Gaelscolaíochta (COGG) with the NCCA will enhance and strengthen the capacity of COGG to meet its statutory functions. The NCCA has a significant amount of work currently underway or about to be started on the Irish language curricula in our schools. As this work progresses, COGG will concurrently and collaboratively be creating resource materials to support the implementation of the new Irish curricula in our schools, both Irish medium schools and English medium schools.
The new arrangement will maximise the possibilities for collaboration and cooperation between both bodies. Such an approach should ensure that there are adequate supports and that such supports will enhance the quality of the teaching and learning of Irish for our students. COGG will therefore continue to plan and co-ordinate for the provision of resources for the teaching and learning of Irish and to advise on and support teaching through Irish.
