Barry Ward (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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16. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills his views on the need to further incentivise teaching through Irish; if additional grants or scholarships could be considered for any prospective teacher pursuing that career; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14511/25]

James Lawless (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
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The number of students admitted to primary concurrent and consecutive programmes in State-funded Higher Education Institutions is determined by the Minister for Education, based on teacher supply and demand, and available resources. My Department fully supports workforce planning by the Department of Education to ensure a steady supply of teachers, including those for Irish-language education.

Recognising the need to address teacher supply, the Government approved 610 additional places in primary education programmes for 2023 and 2024, including 30 extra places for Bachelor of Education through Irish. My Department continues to engage with higher education institutions to explore expanding Irish-language provision, supported by funding from the Higher Education Authority (HEA).

Through the HEA, my Department provides €900,000 annually for Irish-language initiatives in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). My Department also provides nearly €1.8m annually for the development of Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge in University of Galway, with additional funding from the Department of the Gaeltacht.

The Government is also investing in teacher recruitment and retention through measures such as the introduction of a €2,000 incentive for newly qualified teachers in 2024 and the promotion of flexibility in teacher education programmes. Furthermore, demand for primary teaching remains strong, with first preference CAO applications to primary and secondary teaching up by 9% and 5% respectively in February this year.

It should however be noted that HEIs are autonomous in their Irish language strategy, including the provision of university courses through the Irish language.

My Department continues to work closely with the Department of Education and other stakeholders to ensure that the necessary supports and incentives are in place to attract and retain teachers, including those teaching through Irish.