Eoghan Kenny (Cork North-Central, Labour)
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943. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the timeframe for the Irish medium for education taskforce; who will be part of the taskforce; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19920/25]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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There is a commitment in the Programme for Government to expand opportunities for pupils and students to attend Gaelscoileanna and Gaelcholáistí, to establish Gaelscoileanna and Gaelcholáistí where there is demand, and also, to support parents choosing Irish-medium education for their children.

Work is currently underway in my department to develop a new policy on Irish-medium education outside of the Gaeltacht.

A taskforce is due to be established as an action under this policy to explore issues relating to the various models of Irish-medium education provision that exist and to facilitate collaboration between the department and key stakeholders in re-conceptualising the current models of provision, if necessary. Consideration of teacher supply for Irish-medium education will also be a crucial factor in the work of the taskforce and in the provision of high-quality education in the sector. The structure of the proposed taskforce is currently under deliberation within the department. I look forward to the outcome of this taskforce and I hope that stakeholders will seize the opportunities it will provide to maintain and strengthen the future of Irish-medium education provision.

I expect to receive a draft of the policy by the end of Q2 2025 for my review. If I am satisfied with the draft received, it is intended that the policy will be published in Autumn 2025.