Departmental Bodies

Tuesday, 28 May 2013

Questions (79)

Billy Kelleher

Question:

79. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Education and Skills his views on concerns expressed regarding the decision to merge An Chomhairle um Oideachas Gaeltachtaí agus Gaelscolaíochta with the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment; if he intends to deal with these concerns by introducing legislation to ensure that the board of COGG does not come under the control of the board of the NCCA; if he will ensure that the budget of COGG is ring-fenced and that the NCCA will not exercise any control over the budget of COGG; his further views on whether it would be better to revoke the decision to merge these bodies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25508/13]

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Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

I have made my decision to co-locate COGG and the NCCA. I informed and fully discussed this decision with Cabinet last November. I believe co-location will better facilitate the implementation of the recommendations not only of the 20 Year Strategy for Irish, 2010 - 2030, but also The Gaeltacht Act 2012 and the curricular reform currently under way for primary and post-primary education. Funding for COGG will be provided as a dedicated subhead within the NCCA budget from 2014. It will be ring-fenced for COGG activities since it is important that I ensure there is sustained investment available to support the Irish Language. I believe the collaborative co-location approach will create opportunities for more positive outcomes for our schools and generate greater student proficiency in the Irish language.