Irish Language

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 2 April 2019

Tuesday, 2 April 2019

Ceisteanna (629)

Dara Calleary

Ceist:

629. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the discussions she or her officials have with the Minister for Education and Skills, An Foras Pátrúnachta and An Coimisinéir Teanga regarding the way in which parental preferences for Irish medium education can be further reflected in future patronage processes; and the number of meetings she has had with each one of these offices since becoming Minister on this issue in tabular form. [15481/19]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht

Senior officials from my Department have already had informal discussions with interested parties, including the umbrella body for Irish medium schools, Gaeloideachas Teo., An Coimisinéir Teanga and Conradh na Gaeilge regarding the public demand for Irish medium education and the process for recognition of gaelscoileanna, in particular. This issue is of particular importance to the work of my Department in the delivery of the 20 Year Strategy for the Irish Language 2010-2030 and, in light of this, as committed to in the debate on the Irish Language in this House during Seachtain na Gaeilge, it is my intention to raise the matter again with my colleague the Minister for Education and Skills.