Charlie McConalogue (Donegal North East, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank all speakers for attending and their presentations, some of which paint a concerning picture of the status of the Irish language in Gaeltacht areas, in particular, although positive work is being done through Gaelscoileanna and Irish language immersion programmes.

Gaelscoileanna Teo. outlined the position on the demand for places in Irish language schools and Gaelscoileanna, in respect of which there is up to a 45% oversubscription rate. I would like its representatives to outline the measures that could be taken to deal with this, how they have engaged with the Department to facilitate schools in expanding their capacity and whether they believe additional supports could be provided to facilitate the creation of new Gaelscoileanna in areas where there is no Irish language option available to students.

Ms Ní Mhóráin pointed out that COGG's ability to fulfil its responsibilities is under pressure because of resources and staffing. Much work has been carried out in recent years with regard to providing materials, as was pointed out. Could Ms Ní Mhóráin go into more detail on the pressures on the organisation at present and what would be required to ensure it can meet the demands that will be on it in the near future with regard to curricular development?

Ms Ní Neachtain, of Tuismitheoirí na Gaeltachta, made a point regarding young native speakers not being as proficient in Irish as they are in English. Although there seems to be a great deal of success in recent times in attracting more young students to Gaelscoileanna, it is concerning that at the same time we are seeing that for a majority of young people in Gaeltacht areas Irish is not the primary language spoken in the home. Do the witnesses have any information on the dynamic behind that and the policy measures that might be taken to reverse it? It is a concerning situation.