Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Ní freagra amháin ná céim amháin atá ag teastáil. There is no one step. We have to take a multistranded approach to promoting muinín, the confidence, with regard to the delivery of Gaeilge. I am most certainly a strong advocate for the tréimhse sa Ghaeltacht. There is absolutely no doubt about that. It is very important. We also need to look beyond it. I have already outlined some examples such as the refresher courses and ensuring that students have opportunities to do their practical experience in Irish-medium schools. There is a value in that. We have to look at a variety of mechanisms. In the programme for Government, there is a strong commitment to introducing an excellence in education fund to Irish schools. After all, these are the students who will go on to become teachers at the end of the day. We are also looking at promoting stair agus cultúr as part of studying an Ghaeilge and short courses at junior cycle level in that regard. We are looking at Gaeilge being far more sofheicthe sna scoileanna, idir na scoileanna Béarla agus na scoileanna Gaeilge, whether in English-medium or Irish-medium schools. Particular subjects might be delivered as Gaeilge. These may include PE and ceol etc. We have to diversify. We have to be all-encompassing in our approach to building up that confidence.