Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

To give some detail on what is happening in the process, which is quite involved, SEALBHÚ, the research centre in Dublin City University, DCU, is currently carrying out an analysis of all of the information that has been gathered throughout the process. The reports will be shared with the steering committee and with the interdepartmental working group in due course. A number of actions are being taken to ensure that the new policy will be informed by current research. A review of national and international literature has been commissioned through a public procurement process and is being carried out by SEALBHÚ at DCU. A report giving an overview of provision for Irish-medium education outside of Gaeltacht areas was compiled and published by the Department. Research on Irish-medium aonaid and sruthanna in English-medium schools is being carried out. Two composite reports on inspection findings on the quality of education provision in Gaelscoileanna and Gaelcholáistí were published in spring 2021. These reports provide a helpful insight into practice in schools. A report on inspection findings from visits to Irish-medium early learning and care settings is also being prepared.

I am really pleased with the level of interest that has been demonstrated in the consultation to date and with the number of responses received. I look forward to progressing the important work of strengthening Irish-medium education provision and building on the positive outcomes already being achieved in the implementation of the policy on Gaeltacht education.

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