Mr. David Leahy:

In response to the statement that the director should be fluent in both Irish and English, there is currently no statutory requirement or any requirement under the Department of Education’s specifications for the position of a director in any ETB to have a fluency in Irish and English. GRETB’s current language policy for 2021 to 2024 notes it would be desirable for the stiúrthóirí who are serving Gaeltacht communities to be competent in Irish. Previously, it was determined that the chief executive should be competent in both Irish and English. At that time, there was provision for an interview in Irish for the most senior role in the education and training boards. However, since 2018, this requirement was revised to make Irish language proficiency desirable rather essential.

GRETB has an extremely positive disposition towards Gaeilge and the acquisition and protection of the Irish language. We ensure those who are employed have that positive disposition also. We seek, both from perspective employees and current employees, that they have a willingness to learn and improve their competence in Gaeilge. GRETB supports all staff in improving their standard in Irish, in monetary terms and in giving opportunities to staff. We seek to promote the Irish language and we have multiple opportunities we avail of to ensure the Irish language is protected and that the students in our care get the best possible opportunity as a consequence of being students with GRETB.