Catherine Connolly (Galway West, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

166. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the status of the work of the inter-Departmental partnership group chaired by her Department which oversees the implementation of the Policy on Gaeltacht Education; the details of reports prepared to date by the group; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4835/22]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Gaeltacht Education Policy Advisory Committee was established in March 2017 to support the phased implementation of the Policy on Gaeltacht Education 2017-2022. The committee, which is chaired by an official from my Department, comprises representatives from a wide range of stakeholder groups. Details of the membership along with discussion papers, agendas and minutes of all meetings can be found on the gov.ie website (Gaeltacht Education Policy Advisory Committee).

Thirteen meetings have been held since the establishment of the committee, the most recent being in December 2021.

Meetings of the advisory committee create a forum to:

- share valuable advice, views and feedback to support the implementation of the Policy and inform decision making;

- build partnerships and forge links with other agencies and groups;

- identify challenges and opportunities to support the effective implementation of the Policy;

- build confidence, momentum and enthusiasm for the implementation of the Policy and the Gaeltacht School Recognition Scheme; and

- provide guidance on future priorities.

Members of the committee are given opportunities to provide oral and written feedback on various draft documents. Opportunities are also provided for members to express views and give suggestions during workshop sessions and between meetings to support the effective implementation of the Policy and Scheme.