Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh (Kildare South, Sinn Fein)
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2090. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he will consider making Irish-medium education a strategic priority for his Department; whether he will create a comprehensive policy that deals specifically with Irish-medium education at third level; and if he will work on a cross-Departmental basis to formulate a joined-up policy for Irish-medium education from early years to third level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57690/25]

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 Authority Act (2022) places a statutory obligation on the HEA to support higher education institutions (HEIs) to teach, promote, and use the Irish language. To that end, my Department supports HEIs, via the HEA, through both core funding and specific funding streams for 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. These funds support activities such as the Gníomhaí Gaeilge mentoring and awards scheme for students, the forthcoming Mo Thráchtas i mbeagán focal postgraduate research competition, and research by the University of Galway into the demand for Irish-medium courses across the sector.

In addition, my Department supports flexible and accredited Irish-language learning opportunities through initiatives such as the Human Capital Initiative (HCI) Micro-Credentials Learner Fee Subsidy, which currently offers 17 subsidised Irish-language courses providing 158 places. Beyond the higher education sector, Irish is also being advanced through Skillnet Ireland networks, apprenticeships, and FET programmes, contributing to the broader policy goal of supporting Irish for professional use, particularly in light of the 20% public service recruitment target under the National Plan for Irish Language Public Services.

However, we can and should do more to support the teaching and learning of Irish at tertiary level. 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.

The Government is committed to working on a cross-Departmental basis to strengthen Irish-medium education across all levels, from early years to tertiary level, ensuring a joined-up and sustainable approach to promoting the Irish language.