Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 February 2014
293. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Education and Skills the progress on the plans to introduce a Gaeltacht scholarship scheme for primary school teachers to attend intensive Gaeilge courses in the Gaeltacht as envisaged in the 20-year strategy for the Irish language. [8320/14]
View answer294. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Education and Skills his plans to increase the portion of time spent by trainee teachers in the Gaeltacht. [8321/14]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 293 and 294 together.
An extended and reconceptualised Gaeltacht residency programme is now part of the overall ITE primary programme. The Gaeltacht residency programme has been lengthened to two periods of two weeks for all students who commenced the Bachelor of Education from 2012. Initial teacher education providers have responsibility for quality assuring the content, teaching and assessment of the Gaeltacht element of ITE programmes.
The 20 year Strategy for the Irish Language 2010 -2030 contains a number of actions relating to improving the quality of Irish Teaching which need further consideration including the introduction of a Gaeltacht scholarship scheme for primary school teachers to attend intensive Gaeilge courses in the Gaeltacht. This Government is committed to supporting the overall thrust of 20 Year Strategy for the Irish Language 2010-2030 and will deliver on the achievable goals and targets proposed.
