Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 532: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the number of inspections carried out in 2004 and 2005 by inspectors of Irish for second level schools here; the locations where such inspections took place; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3190/06]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

A total of 133 inspections of Irish were carried out in post-primary schools in 2004 and 2005. The locations by county are as follows:

Many of these inspections were carried out in the context of an evaluation of Irish at junior cycle level. It is intended that a composite report on the outcomes of the evaluation will be published towards the end of 2006.

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 533: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the role, remit and responsibilities of inspectors of Irish for second level schools appointed by her Department; the level of resources and facilities available to inspectors to carry out their duties effectively; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3191/06]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The role, remit and responsibilities of inspectors of Irish for post-primary schools are in accordance with section 13(3) of the Education Act 1998. Apart from the general functions outlined in section 13(3) which apply to all inspectors, the responsibilities are further delineated in section 13(3)(f) which states that inspectors should evaluate the effectiveness of the teaching, development, promotion and use of Irish in schools and centres for education and report to the Minister on those matters.

An inspector of Irish also reviews decisions referred to the Department concerning exemption from the study of Irish, in special circumstances, for post-primary students. The central services unit of the inspectorate ensures that all inspectors are provided with the necessary resources and facilities to implement their work programmes effectively.

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 534: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the number of inspectors for Irish appointed by her Department to deal with second level schools here; the number of second level schools by category here; the programme of work and schedule of appointments that is currently being followed so as to enable inspectors to carry out their job effectively; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3192/06]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

There are seven inspectors of Irish in my Department. This includes an inspector who is currently on a career break and two inspectors who are on secondment, one to the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment and the other to An Chomhairle um Oideachas Gaeltachta agus Gaelscolaíochta. There are 736 post-primary schools in the system in the current school year: 398 secondary, 248 vocational and 90 community and comprehensive schools.

Inspectors are deployed on a regional basis with about 140-150 post-primary schools in each region. The inspectorate has an annual business plan which includes an annual inspection plan. Each inspector of Irish contributes to the overall plan through a planned annual programme of subject inspections of Irish and also through inspections of Irish within whole school evaluations. In addition, post-primary inspectors of Irish may participate in the annual evaluation of Coláistí Samhraidh and in curriculum development as members of syllabus committees for Irish established by the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment.