Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 June 2015
125. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Education and Skills if she will report on the public consultation process on the new proposals for education in the Gaeltacht; when the process will be complete; a timeframe for the introduction of the proposals following the consideration of the consultation process; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25755/15]
View answerOn 5th May, I launched the Policy Proposals for Educational Provision in Gaeltacht areas with my colleague, the Minister of State, Deputy Mc Hugh. Accompanying the launch was a consultation process whereby individuals and or organisations were invited by survey to provide their views on the policy proposals. Over 100 responses have been received to date. The closing date for responses to the survey is 3rd July.
Officials from my Department went to Killarney, Spiddal and Gweedore to hear the views of representatives of Gaeltacht schools and communities on the proposals.
In September, further focus group meetings will be held with representatives of Irish language and Gaeltacht organisations and other stakeholders. There will be a forum in October where the findings of the consultation process will be considered.
I expect to receive a report by the end of the year and to finalise my policy measures in relation to education in the Gaeltacht by spring 2016.
