Education minister opens Comhairle na Gaelscolaíochta annual conference

Education Minister, Caitríona Ruane has officially opened the Comhairle Na Gaelscolaíochta (CnaG) Annual Conference.

The Minister addressed Principals, teachers and business representatives at Colaiste Feirste and discussed a range of issues affecting Irish Medium education.

Speaking at the event, the Minister said: “My vision for a strong and vibrant Irish-medium sector is routed in an unshakeable belief in equality, and in the creation of a school system where every single one of our children has the same opportunity to succeed, regardless of social economic background, gender or race.

“It is against this background that I am moving forward to implement the Irish-medium Review which has equality at its core. It offers a comprehensive, creative and strategic way forward which means the sector is part of the system, not apart from it.”

The Minister updated delegates to the conference on the range of policies underway in relation to post-primary transfer arrangements, to streamline the administration of education, to raise educational standards for all children and young people, to provide for children with special educational needs and to deliver new major schools projects.

The Minister also said: “I am aware of specific issues impacting on the Irish-medium sector, including the need for improved accommodation and better transport arrangements. I have made available £2million to the Iontaobhas na Gaelscolaíochta to ensure that the problem of sub-standard accommodation in some schools is addressed as rapidly as possible. In order to make it easier for children to access Irish–medium education my Department will be scoping a pilot scheme for designated school buses on a number of routes.”

The Minister concluded: “I would pay tribute to all involved in Irish-medium education, including Comhairle na Gaelscolaíochta, Iontaobhas na Gaelscolaíochta and all teachers and school staff in every area across the north. Your commitment and dedication has seen Irish-medium go from strength to strength over the years and has secured the future of our native tongue.”