Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 11 October 2016
176. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the steps being taken by his Department to address the shortage of teachers qualified to teach through Irish; if his Department has any initiatives planned to address this issue; if his Department has set any targets over the lifetime of this Government in respect of this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29741/16]
View answerMy Department considers it important that the supply of teachers with the required qualifications should meet demand at both primary and post primary levels, including teachers qualified to teach through Irish. Accordingly, my Department asked the Teaching Council to consider the matter of teacher supply with a view to developing better forecasting methods to ensure an adequate supply of teachers with the necessary qualifications. The Council has provided its advice and report, and the Department is currently considering the report’s recommendations with a view to implementation where appropriate.
The Deputy may wish to note also that, in the recently published Action Plan for Education, I have committed to publish a Policy on Gaeltacht Education shortly, which will also inform future policy in this area.
