Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 20 Mar 2002

Vol. 550 No. 4

Written Answers. - All-Irish Schools.

Jim O'Keeffe

Ceist:

42 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Education and Science his views on whether the gaelscoileanna movement has been one of the most positive and beneficial developments in Irish education for many years; and his proposals for their further development. [8318/02]

Minister for Education and Science (Dr. Woods)

The growth of all-Irish schools in recent times has been one of the most constructive developments in relation to the achievement of the greater use of Irish at school and in the community. A particularly encouraging aspect of this development is the fact that it is rooted in the realisation by many parents of the unique educational value of Irish and of Irish culture and in their wish that their children should access fully our priceless linguistic and cultural heritage. My Department facilitates the establishment of new all-Irish schools and all-Irish streams and units, where a clear need for such provision can be established. I will continue to operate a policy of being favourably disposed towards the establishment of all-Irish facilities where the need for them has been demonstrated. The Education Act, 1998, provides strong support for the maintenance of Irish as the primary community language in the Gaeltacht and for the realisation of national policy and objectives in relation to bi-lingualism in Irish society and for the promotion and development of Irish culture.

I recognise the need to respond in practical ways to the needs of all-Irish schools. Most urgent among these needs is the provision of suitable texts and other teaching materials. Currently, four teachers are employed under the aegis of the Donegal Education Centre to design materials specifically for the teaching of Irish in Gaeltacht schools and in gaelscoileanna. These are designed to meet the requirements of the revised primary school curriculum in relation to the teaching of Irish. All materials designers are from the Gaeltacht and have wide experience of teaching Irish in Gaeltacht and-or all-Irish schools. They work under the general direction of designated inspectors from my Department.

Last December, I announced the setting up, under Section 31 of the Education Act 1998, of An Chomhairle um Oideachas Gaeltachta agus Gaelscolaíochta. An Chomhairle has a range of functions in relation to education through Irish. Its remit includes planning and co-ordinating the provision of textbooks and aids for learning and teaching through Irish, advising me on the pro vision and promotion of education through Irish, providing support services to all-Irish schools and conducting research related to Irish medium education. I am happy to inform the Deputy that I launched An Chomhairle just over a week ago and that it has held its inaugural meeting. I look forward eagerly to seeing the benefits that will flow, in due course, from its work. An Chomhairle will work closely with Foras na Gaeilge and with the National Education Centre for Irish to be built in Baile Bhuirne in the Muskerry Gaeltacht.