Seán Crowe (Dublin South West, Sinn Fein)

The Department of Education and Skills is central to the implementation of the 20-year strategy. The Minister refers in his reply to teachers who are proficient in the language having an essential role in regard to the creation of the new generation of Irish language speakers in the future. Why, then, has the funding for trainee teachers to attend Irish language classes in Gaeltacht areas been cut?

How often does the strategy committee meet in this regard? An Chomhairle um Oideachas Gaeltachta agus Gaelscolaíochta, COGG, has not been included in the top-level committee. Is it an essential part of the implementation strategy? The establishment of an Irish language training college was one of the proposals. Is there any movement in that regard? Has the Minister plans to address the serious Irish language deficiencies in his own Department? Training used to be provided in Gaeleagras but only approximately 3% of the Department staff are proficient in the Irish language. Are there proposals in the Department to up-skill members of staff as part of the essential pushing out of the strategy?

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