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

959. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills as part of the body of work being undertaken by his Department on the provision of Irish-medium education at third level, if he will consider conducting a survey of teaching staff in Irish universities who are proficient in the Irish language and interested in teaching through Irish; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [65405/25]

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 Authority Act (2022) places a statutory obligation on the HEA to support 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, and the forthcoming Mo Thráchtas i mBeagán Focal postgraduate research competition.

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 on tertiary education requirements for Irish language skills in the public sector. This cross-departmental group is being established within the context of the National Plan for Irish Language Public Services and will be co-chaired by my Department and the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht. It will bring together officials from relevant Government departments and State agencies, as well as representatives of the further and higher education sectors. Its purpose is to consider how the full range of tertiary education provision, including higher education, further education and training, apprenticeships, upskilling and reskilling, can support the delivery of the National Plan.

The capacity of teaching and research staff to teach and design curricula through Irish is a critical factor in considering Irish-medium provision at tertiary level. In line with its terms of reference, the sectoral working group, working with the HEA and other stakeholders, may carry out whatever research is deemed necessary, including, where appropriate, research involving teaching staff, to inform its work and to underpin any future policy interventions, in accordance with legislative and policy requirements.

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.