Minister Quinn announces new multi-denominational schools to open following patronage divesting surveys
Márta 12, 2014
The Minister for Education and Skills, Ruairí Quinn T.D., has announced that four primary schools are expected to open this September under the patronage of Educate Together. This development is part of the process of primary school divestment and follows surveys of parents on patronage choice in some 43 towns.
New schools are intended to open in Tramore, Co. Waterford, Trim, Co. Meath, and Malahide, Co. Dublin in September 2014. In Ballina, Co Mayo, Minister Quinn has confirmed that the transfer of a Church of Ireland school (Newtownwhite N.S., Ballysokerry) to Educate Together patronage is also under discussion. This follows the agreement of the Church of Ireland Bishop and local parents to a change of patronage.
In addition, Minister Quinn confirmed that the former Scoil San Seamus school building in Basin Lane, Dublin 8 will be in use from September by an Educate Together school which opened in temporary accommodation last September.
Minister Quinn welcomed the progress made to date in discussions with patrons following the divesting surveys. While permanent buildings are not yet available for the schools in three areas, Trim, Tramore and Malahide, he has given the go-ahead for the schools in temporary start-up accommodation in order to meet parental demand for greater choice of primary schools.
“Discussions are continuing to take place with the main Catholic patrons in these and in a number of other areas to identify and secure permanent accommodation. The engagement with patrons so far has been open and generous. I am sure that with the co-operation of all concerned and with the support of my Department, further progress can be achieved,” said Minister Quinn.
The three locations, Trim, Tramore and Malahide, were selected following discussions with the existing Catholic patrons on the potential for permanent accommodation options and discussions with Educate Together on their priorities for initial start-up areas.
“I am conscious of the lead in period necessary for establishing a new school: the advertising of the school, the enrolment process, appointment of the Principal, obtaining planning permission where required and other matters. The Department is working closely with Educate Together to secure temporary accommodation to allow it to open new schools serving new communities in September.”
The process of divestment of primary schools is part of the implementation of recommendations from the 2012 report of the Advisory Group to the Forum on Patronage and Pluralism in the Primary Sector.
Its chairperson, Professor John Coolahan, welcomed today’s announcement.
“Against the background of the discussions and agreement on the divesting of school patronage at the Forum, the Minister’s announcement is to be warmly welcomed as tangible progress,” he said.
“However, it is to be hoped that patrons and school communities will accelerate the divesting process so as to facilitate the provision of schooling for their fellow citizens of other belief systems. While the issues surrounding divesting are sensitive and complex, the outcomes can be a significant contribution to civic well-being and the fostering of mutual respect, as well as a meaningful response to fulfilling the rights of all citizens.”
Discussions are continuing on further new primary schools that are expected to open under the divestment process by 2015.
Minister Quinn concluded saying, “Today’s announcement is an initial but important step in giving parents confidence that we are serious about providing a plurality of education and a real choice for them in the type of primary school in their localities”.
On foot of the report of the Advisory Group to the Forum on Patronage and Pluralism in the Primary Sector, surveys of parental preferences were undertaken in a number of areas of stable population to establish the level of parental demand for a wider choice in the patronage of primary schools within these areas.
Surveys of parental preferences were undertaken on a pilot basis initially in five areas in the Autumn of 2012 and the Department published a report on these in December 2012. Surveys were undertaken in a further 38 areas in January and February 2013. A detailed report on these was published in April of that year.
Analysis of the parental preferences expressed in each of the 43 areas surveyed indicated that there is sufficient parental demand supporting immediate changes in school patronage in 28 areas.
Following on from publication of the reports, the main patron (Catholic Bishop or Archbishop) in each of these 28 areas was asked to consider re-configuration options that would free up school accommodation for at least one full stream for provision by the first choice alternative Patron.
Final reports on the options available were submitted by the existing Patrons toward the end of last year. This enabled a targeted focus on areas where there were real possibilities for 2014 and 2015.
In the case of Malahide, based on a previous review of future school needs in the Waterside/Drinan area, allied with the outcome of the divesting survey in Malahide, it has been agreed with the New Schools Establishment Group that a new school will be established in this area under the patronage of Educate Together. The school will start in temporary accommodation provided by Holywell ET this September. Short term and longer term accommodation options for the new schools in Trim and Tramore are also being advanced.
The Department will continue to work intensively with the main Catholic Patrons in the other areas to advance alternative Patron choices in those areas.
www.education.ie
An Gaelachas: An féidir é a shábháil?
Márta 12, 2014
Eoin Ó Murchú
Tráth dá raibh, bhí Éire ar fad ina Gaeltacht, agus bhí brí shimplí bhunúsach ag an bhfocal ‘Gaelachas’: bhain sé leis an gcultúr, an tsaíocht agus an tsibhialtacht choiteann a bhí ag na tuatha éagsúla a roinn an tír seo eatarthu féin.
Tharla ionraí éagsúla – Lochlannaigh, Normannaigh is eile – ach glacadh isteach sa nGaelachas iad gur thosaigh ríocht Shasana ag iarraidh an tír a chur faoi chois is lucht coilínigh a thabhairt isteach – as Sasana agus as Albain.
I ndiaidh a chéile rugadh comhphobal nua, Éireannach ag a raibh trí fhoinse, i bhfocail Wolfe Tone: Catholic, Protestant and Dissenter, nó bundúchasach Gaelach, Sasanach agus Albanach.
B’iad na bundúchasaigh an tréith ba líonmhaire den chomhphobal nua, agus is iad i gcónaí.
Is léir go bhfuil an Gaelachas – an teanga, an ceol, an fhealsúnacht thraidisiúnta – mar ghné aitheanta den fhoinse seo. Ach ba bhotún é a cheapadh nach mbaineann an Gaelachas leis an gcuid eile.
Ar an gcéad dul síos, ar ndóigh, ní hamháin gur thug na hAlbanaigh a leagan den teanga Bhéarla isteach leo – a bhfuil a rian le fáil san Ultais a bhfuil iarsmaí de ar fáil anseo is ansiúd, ach thug cuid mhaith acu Gaeilge leo freisin.
Mar shampla, agus tá sé seo léirithe ag Breandán Ó Buachalla nach maireann (I mBéal Feirste Cois Cuain), agus ag Pádraig Ó Snodaigh (The Hidden Ulster), bhí Gaeilge dhá labhairt go fairsing i nGallobha nó Gall-Ghaidheal, an ceantar cóngarach d’Éirinn arbh as dó roinnt mhaith de na coilínigh a tháinig go hÉirinn, suas go lár an 17ú céad.
Cinnte, tá’s againn go raibh cumas sa nGaeilge riachtanach san eaglais Phreispitéireach (an eaglais Albanach) fiú i gcontae an Dúin sa 16ú is 17ú céad. Is in 1808 a d’fhoilsigh an ministir Preispitéireach William Neilson a bhunleabhar Gaeilge le cabhrú le ministrí a raibh Gaeilge riachtanach dóibh.
(Is fiú a thabhairt faoi ndeara go bhfuil Gaeilge an leabhair seo níos cóngaraí do Ghaeilge eile na hÉireann ná mar atá do Ghàidhlig Inse Gall).
Níl an ceangal leis an nGaeilge chomh láidir dóibh siúd as traidisiún Anglacánach, ach tá focail agus nós cainte na nGael fite fuaite i gcaint na ndaoine, sa gceol agus sa stíl amhránaíochta.
Ann féin, ar ndóigh ní bhaineann an teanga nó an Gaelachas le scarúnachas ná neamhspleáchas. Sin seasamh polaitiúil bunaithe ar thuiscint na ndaoine faoin gcaoi is fearr lena gcúrsaí féin a riaradh.
Agus tá sé le feiceáil go bhfuil an Bhreatnais níos láidre sa Ríocht Aontaithe – in ainneoin cur faoi chois stairiúil – ná mar atá an Ghaeilge sa stát neamhspleách mar dhea ó dheas.
Is mó stádas na Breatnaise agus meas oifigiúil ar an teanga ansin ná mar atá ar an nGaeilge ó dheas, gan a bheith ag caint faoin naimhdeas a léirítear don teanga go polaitiúil ó thuaidh – in ainneoin Chomhaontú Chill Rímhinn.
Mar sin féin, nuair a labhrann muid inniu faoi ‘Ghaelachas’, is í an teanga agus an ceol a théanns leis is mó a thaganns chun aigne dúinn.
Mhínigh an réabhlóidí clúiteach Máirtín Ó Cadhain siar sna 60í nach raibh suim a thuilleadh ag stát na 26 Contae sa nGaeilge má bhí an Stát ó thuaidh naimhdeach di ar fad. Ach, dúirt sé, ag deireadh thiar is marfaí neamhshuim ná naimhdeas ar bith!
Feicfimid inniu an chaoi a bhfuil an stát sásta labhairt faoi thábhacht na Gaeilge, ach nach bhfuil siad sásta aon rud a dhéanamh ar son na teanga, is go bhfuil siad sásta fiú a gcuid dlíthe is bunreacht a chur ar leataobh le cearta a dhiúltú do lucht na Gaeilge. Ar ndóigh is ar an ábhar sin a d’éirigh Seán Ó Cuirreáin as mar Choimisinéir Teanga.
Ní nach ionadh mar sin nach bhfuil an rialtas reatha ó dheas sásta rud ar bith a dhéanamh le brú a chur ar na páirtithe aontachtacha nó ar rialtas na Breataine fírinne a dhéanamh de na geallúintí faoi Acht Teanga don Tuaisceart a aontaíodh i gCill Rímhinn.
Tá sé ráite chomh minic sin go bhfuil an Ghaeilge ar tí bás d’fháil nach bhfuil éifeacht anois leis an ráiteas. Ach tá an teanga ag meath sa nGaeltacht fiú má tá fás uirthi taobh amuigh.
Má chailltear Gaeilge na Gaeltachta caillfear fíor-shaibhreas na teanga, caillfear an ceangal leis an gcéad a bhí romhainn, agus caillfear fíor-dhóchas na teanga.
Cén fáth an meath?
Tá an eisimirce ag imirt a róil i gcónaí, is tá cainteoirí dúchasacha Gaeilge chomh fairsing i mBostún, i bhPhiladelphia, i Nua-Eabhrac is i Hudersfield agus atá in Éirinn féin. Ach tá difear mór ann: ní thugtar an teanga don dara glúin go hiondúil.
Feiceann aos óg na Gaeltachta na fíricí seo, agus feiceann siad nach bhfuil meas ag an stát oifigiúil orthu nó ar a dteanga.
Le blianta bhí gluaiseacht na Gaeilge – má ba ghluaiseacht í – ag brath ar an measúlacht, ag brath a bheith mar chuid den aos rialaithe. Ach ba chur i gcéill an dearcadh sin.
Má fhaigheann an Ghaeilge bás sin deireadh leis an náisiún stairiúil Éireannach a raibh an Ghaeilge mar chuid lárnach di riamh. Sin a dúirt an Piarsach.
Ach cá bhfuil tionchar na Gaeilge sa saol polaitiúil? An gcaithfidh polaiteoirí dearcadh lucht na Gaeilge a chur san áireamh nuair a thógann siad cinntí faoi infheistíocht, faoi chultúr, faoi oideachas nó faoi chearta?
Nó an pobal ciúin measúil béasach muid a ghlacfadh le grabhróga ar bith ó bhord na n-uasal, uasail ar ndóigh a dhíríonn a n-aird ar an Eoraip níos mó ná ar Éirinn féin.
Céard is Gaelachas ann mar sin?
Nós seanchaite nach bhfuil todhchaí aige, nó spreagadh reatha seanbhunaithe a thabharfas dúshlán na polaitíochta ó deas is ó thuaidh?
Ní mise a fhreagrós an cheist sin ach sibhse.
Ábhar muiníne fós le tabhairt do mhuintir na Gaeilge
Márta 11, 2014
Cé gur tháinig an tAire Stáit os comhair dhá choiste Oireachtais le seachtain anuas is beag an soiléiriú ná ábhar muiníne a tugadh do phobal na Gaeilge i dtaca leis an gcaoi a gcaitear leis an teanga ag leibhéal an Stáit.
Dé Céadaoin na seachtaine seo caite tionóladh Cruinniú den Chomhchoiste um Fhormhaoirsiú ar an tSeirbhís Phoiblí agus Achainíocha. I láthair an chruinnithe bhí an tAire Stáit sa Roinn Ealaíon, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta , Donnchadh Mac Fhionnlaoich T.D., a bhí ag freagairt ceisteanna a d’eascair as Tuarascáil 2012 an Choimsinéara Teanga agus an t-astitim ó fhógra éirí as Sheáin Uí Chuirreáin. An lá dár gcionn, d’fhreastail an tAire Stáit ar chruinniú den Fhochoiste Oireachtais um Straitéis 20 Bliain don Ghaeilge agus Rudaí Gaolmhara áit a raibh an t-ábhar céanna á phlé mar aon le neart nithe Straitéise eile.
Comhchoiste um Fhormhaoirsiú ar an tSeirbhís Phoiblí agus Achainíocha
Agus é ag ceistiú an Aire Stáit, Donnchadh Mac Fhionnlaoich, maidir le cúrsaí scéimeanna teanga, d’iarr an Teachta Peadar Tóibín, Sinn Féin, an aontaíonn an tAire go bhfuil comhlachtaí poiblí nach bhfuil scéim teanga i bhfeidhm acu ag sárú an dlí. D’áitigh Tóibín gurb é an cás de bharr nach bhfuil dualgais reachtúla na gcomhlachtaí sin faoi Acht na dTeangacha Oifigiúla 2003 á gcomhlíonadh acu. Ag freagairt dó dúirt an tAire Stáit nár aontaigh sé leis an ráiteas agus go bhfuil forálacha san Acht Teanga a chuireann dualgais faoi leith ar chomhlachtaí poiblí nach bhfuil scéimeanna acu.
Thuairiscigh an tAire Stáit go bhfuil dul chun cinn déanta le bliain anuas i leith líon na scéimeanna a ndaingnítear. Chuir sé in iúl gur daingníodh 16 scéimeanna úra le linn 2013, agus go bhfuil 6 scéim úr daingnithe cheana féin in 2014. Dar leis an Aire Stáit gur próiseas casta, dúshlánach é córas na scéimeanna teanga agus go bhfuil céimeanna dearfacha le tógáil ag an Roinn mar chuid den athbhreithniú ar Acht na dTeangacha Oifigiúla 2003, ina n-áirítear acmhainní breise foirne sa Roinn le díriú ar an riaráiste reatha, teimpléad a chur in áit le scéimeanna a chaighdeánú agus leasuithe reachtúla a chur in áit maidir leis an gcóras ar fad.
Ag tagairt don dul chun cinn, mhaígh an Seanadóir Trevor Ó Clochartaigh, Sinn Féin, nach bhfuil gníomh ar bith á ghlacadh ag an Roinn chun déileáil le 75% de scéimeanna teanga atá imithe in éag. Meabhraíodh don Chomhchoiste go bhfuil scéim teanga i bhfeidhm i 165 as 600 comhlachtaí poiblí agus ba é meastachán Uí Chlochartaigh go dtógfaidh sé 40 bliain ar an Roinn Gaeltachta scéim teanga a chur i bhfeidhm i ngach comhlacht poiblí a ainmnítear san Acht Teanga má leantar leis an gcur chuige reatha.
De réir comhairle dlí a tugadh don Roinn dar leis an Áire Stáit, ní ann do scéimeanna éagtha mar gheall go maítear in Alt 14 (3)d’Acht na dTeangacha go bhfanann scéim teanga i bhfeidhm go dtí go ndaingnítear scéim nua ina háit. Thug an tAire Stáit le fios go bhfuil a Roinn freagrach as cúrsaí scéimeanna teanga amháin faoi Acht na dTeangacha Oifigiúla agus is le hOifig an Choimisinéara Teanga a bhaineann gach ní eile.
Tuairiscíodh don Chomhchoiste go bhfuil comhaontú seirbhíse sínithe ag an Roinn Gaeltachta leis an Roinn Caiteachas Phoiblí agus Athchóirithe ag deimhniú gurb í an Roinn Gaeltachta a bheas i bhfeighil ar chúrsaí oiliúna sa státseirbhís trí chúrsaí Gaelchultúr a reáchtáil.
An Fhochoiste Oireachtais um Straitéis 20 Bliain don Ghaeilge agus Rudaí Gaolmhara
An Straitéis 20 Bliain don Ghaeilge a bhí faoi chaibidil ar an Déardaoin nuair a tháinig an tAire Stáit os comhair an Fhochoiste Oireachtais um Straitéis 20 Bliain don Ghaeilge agus Rudaí Gaolmhara.
Tar éis don Aire Stáit tuairisc a thabhairt ar dhul chun cinn na Straitéise go dtí seo, dul chun cinn sásúil dar leis agus cúinsí eacnamaíocht reatha na tíre, mhol an Teachta Éamon Ó Cuív, Fianna Fáil, go ndéanfadh an Fochoiste scrúdú ar an Straitéis leathanach ar leathanach agus na himpleachtaí airgid i gceist leis na bpolasaithe “ar mhaithe le slánú na Gaeilge” dar leis.
Mar fhreagra ar cheist ón Teachta Ó Cuív, chuir an tAire Stáit in iúl go bhfuil baill foirne de chuid na Roinne Ealaíon, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta gafa le cúrsaí Straitéise, ach dheimhnigh sé nach bhfuil Aonad Straitéise mar atá luaite sa Straitéis 20 Bliain don Ghaeilge ag feidhmiú sa Roinn – cúis mhór imní do lucht freastail an chruinnithe.
Ag tagairt don Choiste Rialtais don Ghaeilge, a bhfuil an Taoiseach mar Chathaoirleach, mhol an Seanadóir Trevor Ó Clochartaigh go dtabharfaí ról monatóireachta i dtaca le cur i bhfeidhm beartais an Straitéise d’Oifig an Choimisinéara Teanga. Chuir an tAire Stáit in iúl gurb iad an Coiste Rialtais agus na Ranna éagsúla a dhéanann monatóireacht ar chúrsaí Straitéise agus tuairiscíodh go bhfuil tuairisc ullmhaithe ag 11 Roinn go dtí seo maidir leis an Straitéis a fhorbairt, gníomh a bheas á leathnú amach sa státchóras i gcoitinne.
I dtaca leis an athbhreithniú ar Acht na dTeangacha Oifigiúla 2003, cuireadh in iúl le linn an chruinnithe go raibh na Cinn Bhille, atá fos le cur faoi bhráid an Rialtais, feicthe ag lucht an fhreasúra agus ba léir nár shuigh na moltaí go maith leis an dream a bhí i láthair an chruinnithe. Cuireadh in iúl nach bhfuil sna chinn reatha ach moltaí agus dhiúltaigh an tAire Stáit plé a dhéanamh ar ábhar Chinn an Bhille de bharr nach bhfuil plé Oireachtais tarlaithe go fóill ina leith.
I measc na n-ábhar eile a cháin an Fochoiste le linn an chruinnithe bhí scéim na nuachtán, aire sinsearach a bheith i bhfeighil ar chúrsaí Gaeilge agus próiseas cuíchóirithe Earnáil dheonach na Gaeilge.
Mar fhocal scoir, mhaígh an tAire Stáit nach é an comhrialtas reatha a chothaigh na fadhbanna maidir leis an nGaeilge agus gur léiriú de tiomantas don Ghaeilge an chomhrialtais í an infheistíocht shubstaintiúil atá déanta óna bhunú.
Cé gur deineadh mionphlé ar ghnéithí éagsúla den Straitéis idir an tAire Stáit agus baill éagsúla de lucht an fhreasúra, níorbh i láthair an chruinnithe as ballraíocht an Fhochoiste, idir lucht an Rialtais agus an fhreasúra, ach an Seanadóir Labhrás Ó Murchú a bhí ina Chathaoirleach sealadach.
Foilsithe ar Gaelport.com
Quinn forges ahead with reform of Junior Cycle despite protest
Márta 11, 2014
EDUCATION Minister Ruairi Quinn is forging ahead with arrangements for Junior Cycle reform despite opposition from teacher unions.
The minister showed his determination on the eve of today’s protests by teachers in up to 730 second-level schools aimed at highlighting their concerns about the proposals. Mr Quinn responded by choosing yesterday to issue formal instructions to schools confirming that change would go ahead in September, and how it will be implemented. Today’s lunchtime rallies are not aimed at disrupting classes, but they will serve as a taste of what lies ahead if teachers vote to withdraw co-operation with Mr Quinn’s plans for reform. The overhaul involves radical changes in teaching and learning, with technology taking a central role and a greater emphasis on students thinking for themselves rather than engaging in rote learning. There will be a bigger choice of subjects with opportunities to study short courses such as Chinese, computing and artistic performance.
Key to the reform is the abolition of the traditional Junior Certificate exams and continuous assessment of students by their own teachers, for a new Junior Cycle Student Award (JCSA), issued by schools. The process of change is due to start with introduction of a new English syllabus for first years in September, while other changes will be phased in over a number of years. As part of the reform plan, standardised testing will be introduced in key subjects of English, maths and science. Standardised tests, which are already carried out among second, fourth and sixth class pupils in primary school, tell how a student is doing compared with other children of the same age. But the Association of Secondary Teachers Ireland (ASTI) and the Teachers’ Union of Ireland (TUI) are balloting their 27,000 members on a range of actions designed to stymie the introduction of change.
The ballots end on March 26 and a ‘yes’ vote will clear the way for action, such as a ban on teacher training for the proposed changes and a refusal to teach the new ‘short courses’ that schools have an option of introducing from September. The TUI is also asking its members to vote on possible strike action. The two unions are also seeking a mandate from members to ban co- operation with the assessment by teachers of their own students for the new JCSA. The abolition of the Junior Cert is a key bone of contention, with the unions also claiming that a JCSA awarded by one school may be seen as more prestigious than one from another in the same area.
Resources
They have also criticised the lack of resources to implement the changes, including inadequate technology, with schools at “breaking point” as a result of cutbacks. In January, Mr Quinn announced a slowdown in the pace of change and also promised additional resources and other measures designed to ease the transition. But the unions said it did not go far enough and made arrangements for their ballots and today’s protest And yesterday, the minister made clear his intentions as his officials issued formal instructions to schools – known as a circular – confirming the new arrangements for Junior Cycle for incoming first years in September and the revised timetable for other changes in the years ahead.
www.independent.ie
Quinn pushes on with Junior Cert reform despite protests
Márta 11, 2014
The planned replacement of the Junior Certificate with a system which will see teachers marking their own students is being pushed ahead by Education Minister Ruairi Quinn.
This is despite a protest at schools today and an impending vote by 27,000 secondary teachers against co-operation with the plan. Mr Quinn has issued a letter to the country’s 730 second-level schools setting out the arrangements for the introduction of the Junior Cycle Student Award from next September, when first year students are to be prepared for assessment in English from 2016 as the first subject to undergo changes for certification in 2017.
Members of the Association of Secondary Teachers Ireland and the Teachers’ Union of Ireland are being asked in a ballot not to take part, or in training or related assessments, and the unions expect a show of strength at an unofficial protest called at school gates this lunchtime. While classes will not be disrupted, teachers want the public to understand their concerns about standards in the proposed system, having taken out newspaper ads on the issue yesterday. Their primary concern is that students will no longer have their work examined externally by the State Examinations Commission. The unions have argued that Mr Quinn did not consult on the idea of school-based assessment, but he maintains that the aim of the changes is to end the high-stakes nature of the Junior Certificate because 90% of students go on to sit the Leaving Certificate.
The ASTI and TUI want external assessment for final exams maintained to uphold the integrity of the system, and also have concerns about what they say is inadequate teacher training provision. While Mr Quinn made some concessions in January on additional professional development, and reducing the rate at which subjects will be added for revised modes of assessment, he has also committed to consider any proposals of a working group in which unions have engaged over the past two months with his department, and other stakeholders on professional development, assessment, and resourcing schools.
“If the minister accepts recommendations from the working group, then of course they will be implemented as soon as possible,” Mr Quinn’s spokesperson said. However, the issuing of the circular letter means he is standing firm on the over-riding principle of school-based assessment, which could also harden opposition. Fine Gael members voted at their ard fheis 10 days ago that the party should call on him to reverse this element of the JCSA, although TDs and senators voted against the motion after delegates were told it opposed Government policy.
www.irishexaminer.com
Halla lán do Bhuntaiste Breise na Gaeilge
Márta 11, 2014
D’fhreastal na sluaite ar an seimineár fostaíochta do mhicléinn iarbhunscoile ‘Buntáiste Breise na Gaeilge’ a tionóladh ins an Óstán Seven Oaks, Ceatharlach le déanaí.
Thángadar ó na scoileanna áitiúla Acadamh Naomh Mhuire, Gairmscoil Cheatharlach, Coláiste an Chnoic Bhig agus Gaelcholáiste Cheatharlach chomh maith le Scoil Airgeal Bhaile Éil i gCo. Chill Chainnigh agus ó Choláiste Bhríde i gCo. Chill Mhantáin. Cé go raibh an halla lán go béal thug na daoine óga cluas le héisteachta do na haoichainteoirí agus iad ag labhairt leo faoin mbuntáiste breise a thugann an Ghaeilge dóibh féin ina saoil pearsanta agus a ngairmeacha beatha.
Brighid Ní Ghríofa as Comhdháil Náisiúnta na Gaeilge a d’eagraigh an seimineár mar chuid de shraith an-rathúil fud fad na tíre agus bhí Kevin de Barra, Uachtarán na Comhdhála ina fhear a tí éifeachtach agus spreagúil. B’iad na haoichainteoirí a bhí i láthair ar an lá ná an t-aisteoir aitheanta Barry Barnes, Emma Uí Bhroin a labhair faoin obair a dhéanann sí mar Oifigeach Forbartha Gaeilge le Glór Cheatharlach, an t-abhcóide Cynthia Ní Mhurchú a rinne cur síos ar a post féin chomh maith leis an tréimhse a chaith sí mar láithreoir teilifíse agus Liam Ó Néill, Uachtarán CLG a thug léargas ar an tábhacht atá leis an nGaeilge mar aon le súil siar ar a shaol mar phríomhoide scoile. Tar éis na n-oráidí fíor spéisiúil uile bhí seisiún breá bríomhar nuair a fuair na mic léinn an deis deis chun ceisteanna a chur ar bhaill an phainéil. Agus bhí roinnt duaiseanna le buachaint chomh maith.
I láthair freisin bhí ionadaithe ó roinnt institiúidí tríú leibhéal chun eolas a thabhairt do na daltaí scoile faoi na deiseanna oideachais trí mheán na Gaeilge atá ann dóibh. Ócáid álainn a bhí ann agus bhain idir dhaltaí agus múinteoirí, aoíchainteoirí agus lucht eagraithe taitneamh agus tairbhe as an seimineár.
www.carlow-nationalist.ie
Cláir Oideachais ar TG4
Márta 11, 2014
Cuirfidh idir mhúinteoirí agus mhicléinn iarbhunscoile fáilte roimh dhá chlár oideachais a chraolfar ar TG4 i rith an lae scoile i Mí an Mhárta.
Treoir don bhéaltriail a bheidh faoi chaibidil sa chlár “Cuireadh Chun Cainte” a chraolfar ar an gCéadaoin, 19ú Márta ag 2.30i.n. Le daltaí ag ullmhú do na scrúduithe cainte don ardteistiméireacht is cinnte go mbeidh lucht féachana ard i seomraí ranga mórthimpeall na tíre don chraoladh tráthúil seo. Ar an gCéadaoin, 26ú Márta ag 2.30i.n. a chraolfar clár dar teideal “Céim Chun Tosaigh; Ag Obair le Gaeilge”. Séard atá i gceist sa chlár áirithe seo ná eolas a chur ar fáil maidir le cúrsaí tríú leibhéil, deiseanna oiliúna agus na deiseanna éagsúla a bheidh ar fáil do scoláirí tar éis na scrúduithe Ardteiste. Beidh deis eile an dá chlár a fheiceáil nuair a chraolfar iad maidin Dé Sathairn, 22ú Márta ag tosnú ar 11.00. Comhdháil Náisiúnta na Gaeilge a chuir ábhar na gclár ar fáil agus is féidir tuilleadh eolais a fháil ar www.gaelport.com.
www.carlow-nationalist.ie
Teachers to hold lunchtime demonstrations today
Márta 11, 2014
Protests outside schools add to pressure over introduction of junior cycle reform
With nationwide demonstrations today, teachers’ unions and the Department of Education are both increasing the pressure over the introduction of junior cycle reform. The unions are staging a lunchtime protest outside schools, demonstrating against the changes sought by the department, including continual assessment of students by teachers. Minister for Education Ruairí Quinn, in a counter-move, has issued a formal departmental circular to principals and boards of management setting out how and when the junior cycle changes must be introduced this autumn.“We want to send a clear signal to parents, students, teachers and the education partners that we are proceeding with junior cycle reform because it is the right thing to do for the students,” a department spokeswoman said yesterday. “It is a signal from the Minister and the department we are determined to proceed on the reform of the junior cycle from September.”
Lunchtime protest
Union presidents Sally Maguire of the Association of Secondary Teachers, Ireland (ASTI) and Gerard Craughwell of the Teachers Union of Ireland (TUI) will lead the national lunchtime protests from Newpark Comprehensive School in Blackrock, Co Dublin. The protest will involve a short rally, with similar demonstrations outside second-level schools across the State. Regular school business will not be disrupted by the action and normal supervision arrangements will remain in place, the unions said. The contents of the circular were up for discussion last January 17th, when education partners including unions, the department, principals and school boards held a working group meeting. The goal was to avoid a clash over the planned junior cycle reforms, but it failed to defuse the situation. Instead the TUI decided to ballot its members on non- co-operation with the department’s reform proposals. Ballot papers will be issued today, with the ballot closing on March 26th. “We acknowledge the publication of this circular letter but it changes nothing as far as we are concerned. “Regrettably it fails to address the issue of resources required to implement the programme,” said Mr Craughwell. Damage The unions believe the reforms could cause lasting damage to the education system. “We believe that student achievement in the new junior cycle must be externally assessed and nationally certified.”
The ASTI was equally dismissive of the circular. “There is nothing new in the circular that wasn’t said on January 17th,” a spokeswoman said. Special training had been planned for teachers, but this amounted to only one day of training up to next September. The ASTI also had a problem with plans to bring in continual assessment to replace a terminal examination. “The English teachers simply don’t know what they are supposed to be doing on continual assessment,” she said. “It [the circular] doesn’t address the key issues for teachers, so nothing has changed,” the ASTI spokeswoman added.
www.irishtimes.com
An tua le titim ar iriseoireacht scríofa na Gaeilge
Márta 10, 2014
Ag cruinniú den Bhord Fhoras na Gaeilge ar an 28 Feabhra 2014, ar mholadh ón gCoiste Nauachtán agus Irisí, glacadh an cinneadh deireadh a chur leis an maoiniú reatha do na hirisí Feasta, An tUltach, agus NósMag agus leis na láithreáin ghréasáin Gaelport.com, Beo.ie agus Saol.ie.
Tiocfaidh deireadh le maoiniú na n-irisí agus na láithreáin ghréasáin seo ar 30 Meitheamh 2014, agus níl aon nod tugtha ag Foras na Gaeilge an mbeidh aon tseirbhís eile le teacht ina n-áit, nó an mbeidh aon scéim mhaoinithe eile á chur ar fáil ionas go mbeidh deis ag na seirbhísí leanúint ar aghaidh faoi mhúnla maoinithe eile.
Tháinig an scéal seo aniar aduaidh orthu siúd a chuireann na seirbhísí seo ar fáil, agus is trí ghlaoch teileafóin tráthnóna Dé Máirt seo caite a cuireadh an scéal in iúl dóibh. Níl scríofa go fóill ag Foras na Gaeilge chuig gach dream chun an scéal oifigiúil a chur in iúl.
Ní fios an cinneadh é seo a rinneadh go tobann, nó ar phlé an Bord an féidearthacht seo go rialta roimhe seo, ó tharla nach bhfuil miontuairiscí ó chruinnithe an Fhorais curtha in airde ar a suíomh acu le seacht mí.
Tá roinnt de na seirbhísí seo iontach rathúil faoi láthair. Faigheann an suíomh seo, Gaelport.com, breis agus 1,000,000 amas sa bhliain, agus tá 7,000 síntiúsóir cláraithe dá ríomhirisí, agus is iomaí duais agus gradaim atá bainte amach ag Gaelport le blianta.
Is iad Comhdháil Náisiúnta na Gaeilge a riarann príomhshuíomh eolais na Gaeilge, Gaelport.com. Dúirt Kevin De Barra, Stiúrthóir na Comhdhála: “Nuair a fógraíodh i mí Eanáir go mbeadh Foras na Gaeilge ag cur deireadh le maoiniú na Comhdhála, thuigeamar go mbeadh orainn ár bhfoireann a ligean chun siúl. Bhíomar den tuairim go mbeadh an deis againn na tionscadail atá faoinár gcúram, ar nós Gaelport.com, a thabhairt ar lámh do dhream éigin eile ionas go leanfadh an tseirbhís don phobal, ach faraor, leis an bhfógra is déanaí seo, tá sé doiléir an mbeadh sé sin inghlactha fiú. Cuireann sé an-bhuairt orm go bhfuil gach suíomh agus gach iris Ghaeilge i mbaol anois, agus nach bhfuil aon eolas tugtha faoi cén straitéis nó cén phlean atá ann do thodhchaí na hiriseoireachta scríofa”.
I ráiteas atá eisithe ag Eagarthóir na hirise Feasta, Pádraig Mac Fhearghusa, deir sé: “Caithfear a bheith imníoch faoi thodhchaí na hirise, mar níl sé indéanta iris liteartha nó staire cosúil le Feasta a reáchtáil ar bhonn gnó i nGaeilge nó i mBéarla. Níl brabús le déanamh ar ghearrscéalta, filíocht agus léirmheasanna leabhar a chur i gcló, dá riachtanaí seirbhís dá leithéid. Is gá deontas”.
I mí Feabhra 2013, cuireadh deireadh le maoiniú an nuachtáin Gaelscéal, nuair a chinn Bord Fhoras na Gaeilge nach raibh dóthain díolaíochta ag an nuachtán chun luach ar airgead a sholáthar. I mí na Nollag 2013, d’fhógair Foras na Gaeilge scéim nua chun maoiniú a chur ar fáil do nuachtán seachtainiúil Gaeilge ar líne. Níl toradh na scéime sin fógartha go fóill, agus san idirthréimhse tá breis agus bliain caite ó bhí nuachtán Gaeilge ar fáil do phobal na Gaeilge agus na Gaeltachta.
Gaelport.com
Lá Dearg i mBéal Feirste
Márta 10, 2014
Tá na socruithe tosaithe ar An Lá Dearg, an mórshiúl a bheidh ar siúl i mBéal Feirste Dé Sathairn, 12 Aibreán 2014 ag 14.00. Tá an bhileog eolais agus an póstaer thíos, maraon le híomhá le cur ar Facebook agus treoir maidir le plé le masla ar líne. Is féidir ordaithe do na hábhair seo a chur chuig ladearg@gmail.com.
Lá Dearg i mBéal Feirste – Póstaer
Treoir – Ag Plé Le Masla Ar An Idirlíon
Cliceáil ar an íomhá thuas le leagan níos mó de a fháil.
