Pictured: Representatives from the Centre for Language Education Research at Queen’s University and Comhairle na Gaelscolaíochta, pictured at a recent Research Symposium in Stormont, who will speak this afternoon to the Assembly Education Committee; from left; Seosamh Ó Coinne, Chair, CnaG; Ciarán Catney, Senior Officer, A Fair Start, CnaG; Dr Mel Engman, Dr Aisling O’Boyle, Dr Yecid Ortega and Dr Sultan Turkan, QUB; Maria Thomasson, CEO, CnaG and Dr Daniel Muijs, QUB.
Representatives from Comhairle na Gaelscolaíochta (CnaG) and Queen’s University are due to appear before the Assembly Education Committee this afternoon (13 March) to highlight some of the major issues facing the Irish-medium sector currently.
For the second time recently in the Assembly, most of the presentation will be in Irish, using a new simultaneous translation service.
CnaG will be joined by representatives from the Centre for Language Education Research at Queen’s University, who recently published a significant research report, commissioned by CnaG, entitled Fair? Shared? Supported? Examining the Expectations and Realities for Irish-medium practitioners.
With an ongoing shortage of teachers in the Irish-medium sector, as well as issues relating to recruitment and retention, this research report focuses on those additional competencies and the significant challenges facing practitioners in Irish-medium education.
Other major challenges in the Irish-medium sector, including teacher supply; special educational needs; accommodation etc will also be discussed.
Maria Thomasson, CEO of CnaG, sees this as a unique opportunity to influence local politicians and seek support for the sector:
‘We are delighted to take this opportunity to influence our local representatives and to discuss, not only the barriers and challenges facing Irish-medium education at present, but also to highlight the successes of the sector; the dedication and commitment of our teachers and pupils and the various benefits of immersion education and bilingualism.’
This session can be viewed live via niassembly.tv, starting at 3.00pm.
