Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 May 2023
314. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Education if there are different categories of Gaelscoil at primary level; which subjects are taught through Irish, which subjects are taught through English, and which subjects are taught bilingually, in each category; and which specific primary and secondary legislative measures by Act and statutory instrument mentioning the relevant section or sections underpin each of the above activities. [26269/23]
View answer316. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Education if there are different categories of Gaelscoil at the primary level, and to what extent special needs, support and resource teachers are expected to carry out their work through Irish, through English and-or bilingually in each category; and which specific primary and secondary legislative measures by Act and statutory instrument mentioning the relevant section or sections underpin each of the above activities. [26271/23]
View answer318. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Education if Gaelscoileanna carry out pre-literacy in Irish or in English; if this is in line with current legislation and-or circulars and-or best practice; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26273/23]
View answer319. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Education if she is aware of Gaelscoileanna teaching mathematics through English; if this is in line with relevant primary and secondary legislation and best practice as defined by legislation and circulars; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26274/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 314, 316, 318 and 319 together.
There is currently no categorisation of Irish-medium schools outside of the Gaeltacht (Gaelscoileanna) at primary level. The school authority is responsible for ensuring that teaching and learning is in line with the school’s mission in the way set out in the Deputy’s questions.
Under the Policy on Gaeltacht Education, Irish-medium primary schools within Gaeltacht Language Planning Areas may apply for Gaeltacht School status under the Gaeltacht School Recognition Scheme. Status as a Gaeltacht School can be achieved by meeting the language based criteria laid out in the Policy for Gaeltacht Education. The first language-based criterion requires that Gaeltacht primary schools implement a two-year total immersion programme in Irish in infant classes, during which no English is taught. The language-based criteria also specify that a total-immersion approach be implemented throughout the school, where all areas of learning, apart from English, are taught through Irish. Additional language support hours, to be used specifically for Irish language development, are also provided to schools participating in the Scheme in accordance with school enrolment.
