Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh (Kildare South, Sinn Fein)
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21. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he will consider setting out a target for the level students studying through the medium of Irish language at third level, considering the very low proportion at present; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55564/25]

James Lawless (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
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My Department recognises the critical importance of promoting and expanding the teaching and use of Irish at third level. The Higher Education Act (2022) places an obligation on the HEA to support HEIs to teach, promote and use the language. To that end, my department supports higher education institutions, via the HEA, through the provision of core funding, and specific funding to support Irish language initiatives. This includes almost €1.8 million annually to Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge at University of Galway and €900,000 for broader Irish language initiatives in higher education.

Regarding targets for students studying through Irish, this should, first and foremost, pay due regard to institutional autonomy in matters of teaching and learning. This is a core principle of our system. The Government cannot and should not tell higher HEIs what or how to teach.

I do, however, believe that more must be done to support the teaching and status of Irish in higher education, particularly in the context of the 20% target for public service recruitment. That is why I have instructed my officials to undertake a programme of work aligned with the objectives of the National Plan for Irish Language Public Services. This includes working with colleagues in relevant government departments to establish a sectoral working group; examining the transitions of students from Irish-language post-primary into tertiary education; undertaking research into existing and future demand; considering the inclusion of Irish medium courses in future expressions of interest processes for areas of skills need; and having due regard to Irish in the forthcoming national tertiary strategy.

Any further policy interventions from my Department will be based upon the outcomes of this work.