Shane Moynihan (Dublin Mid West, Fianna Fail)
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145. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills for an update on progress in convening the taskforce on Irish-medium education. [64282/25]

Hildegarde Naughton (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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The Policy for Irish-medium Education Outside of the Gaeltacht was launched on 6 November 2025. A key action under this policy is the establishment of a Taskforce on Models of Provision of Irish-Medium Education to provide a platform for collaboration between my department and key stakeholders on this issue. The first meeting of the taskforce was held on 17 November 2025 and it is anticipated that the taskforce will meet monthly over the next twelve months.

The taskforce will make recommendations to my department, setting out:

• the models needed to provide Irish-medium education at primary and post-primary level, including a discussion of the need for changes to existing models if necessary
• definitions of all models of provision, including related language-based criteria
• how inclusive, high-quality Irish-medium education can be provided within each model along the continuum
• what supports schools may need to implement the models effectively
• how to effectively assess the demand for Irish-medium education
• criteria for establishing new Irish-medium education provision through the various models identified, including consideration of the need for changes to the patronage process
• procedures to support schools in the effective transition from an English-medium to an Irish-medium model
• procedures and criteria for how schools/educational settings can transition from one model to another on the continuum, in order to increase the provision of Irish-medium education, and the supports they may need to do so
• mechanisms to be put in place to facilitate expansion of provision of Irish-medium education.

Shane Moynihan (Dublin Mid West, Fianna Fail)
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146. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills to outline the availability of Irish language assistive technologies for students who require them and are in Irish-medium education. [64283/25]

Michael Moynihan (Cork North-West, Fianna Fail)
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Under the Assistive Technology Scheme, as set out in my Department’s Circular 0010/2013, funding is provided to schools towards the cost of computers and specialist equipment required for educational purposes.

All equipment provided under this scheme supports children with more complex disabilities who, in order to access the school curriculum, require essential specialist equipment. It must be clear that the existing ICT equipment in the school is insufficient to meet the child’s needs. Where necessary, schools may also purchase new or additional equipment or software for students from normal school resources or funds.

The Assistive Technology Scheme operates as a grant scheme. It provides funding for equipment that is essential for a student to access the curriculum. If a piece of equipment is required, regardless of the language in which it operates, and it meets the criteria of the scheme, it will be sanctioned. The Department does not maintain a list of Assistive Technologies, including those available in Irish, as the type of technology required can vary and depends on an individual child's needs.