Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh (Kildare South, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

2091. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he will engage with the Minister for Education & Youth on coordinated action regarding introducing the CEFR for the Irish language; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57691/25]

James Lawless (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

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.

The Programme for Government has committed to work towards aligning Irish language curricula with the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) to enhance spoken Irish at primary, post-primary and third levels. I understand that the Department of Education and Youth plans to work towards aligning Irish language curricula, and associated teaching supports and assessment arrangements, with the CEFR to enhance spoken Irish in schools. It should be recognised that at tertiary level, Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) are autonomous, and determine themselves what curricula they will teach. However, my Department will continue to engage collaboratively with the Department of Education and Youth on commitments relating to the Irish language, particularly in the context of the forthcoming Policy on Irish Language Education Outside of the Gaeltacht and the Action Plan on Irish in English Medium Schools.

Furthermore, I believe that more must be done to support the teaching and status of Irish in higher education, 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.