A statutory body to promote education through Irish as well as the teaching and learning of Irish has been established by the Minister for Education, Dr Woods.
The Council for Gaeltacht and Gaelscoil Education (An Chomhairle um Oideachas Gaeltachta agus Gaelscola∅) will undertake a range of advisory and support functions in relation to Irish language education, including the planning and co-ordination of text books and learning aids.
It will also be involved in the development of policies to facilitate the provision of education through Irish in Gaeltacht schools as well as in recognised schools generally. The council will be composed of 23 members, with Mr Breandβn MacCormaic of Gaelscoileanna, as chairman.
The other members are: Mr M∅cheβl Mac Aodha, Mr Tomβs ╙ CΘilleachair and Ms Mβire N∅ Fhlatharta (Eagra∅ocht na Scoileanna Gaeltachta); Ms Niamh N∅ Mhaolβin, Ms Fionnuala N∅ Chaisil and Ms Jacqueline N∅ Fhearghusa (Gaelscoileanna); Mr SΘamus Mac Aoidh (Gaeltacht teacher); Mr D≤nal ╙ hAinifΘin (Gaelscoil teacher); Ms Mβire Denver (Gaeltacht parent); Mr Lorcβn Mac Gabhann (Gaelscoil parent); Ms Br∅d N∅ Luing (Gaeltacht school management boards); Mr SΘamus ╙ S·illeabhβin (Gaelscoileanna management boards); Mr D≤nal ╙ Loinsigh and Ms Deirbhile Nic Craith (INTO); Ms Catherine Fitzpatrick (ASTI); Mr Maiti· ╙ Murch· (TUI); Mr Liam ╙ Cuinneagβin (Foras na Gailge); Mr Peadar ╙ Flatharta (Comhdhβil Nβisi·nta na Gaeilge); Mr Tadhg ╙ S∅ochβin (Department Inspectorate); Mr D≤nall ╙ Conaill (Ministerial nominee).
Two additional members are to be co-opted by the council in due course.
With the development of all-Irish schools around the country in recent years, there has been a renewed interest in Irish language education, the Minister said yesterday.