Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 25 May 2016
101. Deputy Catherine Martin asked the Minister for Education and Skills when he will publish the Irish language early education policy for the Gaeltacht; if he intends to implement it in full; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11971/16]
View answerThe drafting of a Policy on Gaeltacht Education is at an advanced stage. This is a key response by my Department to the Government's Twenty Year Strategy for the Irish Language 2010 – 2030. Provision for early years education in the Gaeltacht is part of the overall policy for Gaeltacht education alongside the primary and post-primary sectors.
I am awaiting the draft policy document and will consider it along with my colleagues in Government before it can be approved. I expect that this will happen in the coming weeks before our summer recess.
The Programme for Government contains a commitment to strengthen support for the Irish language. This commitment was made in anticipation of the finalisation and thereafter the implementation of the Gaeltacht Education policy.
