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Campaign Supporting COGG

August 8, 2009

Lobby against recommendations of An Bord SNIP Nua to discontinue COGG

An Bord Snip Nua made the detrimental recommendation to discontinue An Chomhairle um Oideachais Gaeltachta agus Gaelscolaíochta (COGG). The recommendation demonstrates a complete lack of understanding of COGG’s functions as well as achievements to date since its inception in 2002.

Significant work has been undertaken by COGG in the field of Gaeltacht and Irish-medium education on a very limited budget and it is evident that value for money is being delivered by COGG in its support of primary and post-primary Gaeltacht and all-Irish schools in the country. Since 2002 COGG has provided 111 primary school resources, 32 post-primary school resources (excluding state examination booklets), with 41 resources being currently developed. In terms of research outputs, 16 research works have been completed, with 20 more on-going.

The following lists outlines the resources/activities that will no longer be available to primary and post-primary Irish-medium schools if this recommendation is implemented:

  • Textbooks in Irish other than those that An Gúm publish
  • Irish versions of the mock exams for Junior Cert and Leaving Cert
  • Booklets of past Irish versions of the State Examinations
  • Management of the project Séideán Sí
  • Online resources for Science and Digital media through Irish (being developed)
  • Online forum for teachers in Irish
  • Notes and support resources in Irish for teachers
  • Online database of resources through Irish
  • Information booklet on all resources for teaching through Irish at primary and second level
  • COGG information services including their website and travelling Irish resource library
  • Workshops for teachers
  • Intensive Irish courses for teachers teaching in Gaeltacht & all Irish second level schools
  • Research on topics related to teaching through Irish
  • Representation on behalf of second level school on Dept of Education, NCCA & other agencies
  • Posters, maps, globes etc in Irish
  • Distribution of the magazine Breacadh

The general public has been given the deadline of 11 September to make submissions to the Minister for Education and Science as well as the General Secretary on any of the recommendations made in the report.

Help us with this campaign by forwarding a letter of petition to the Minister and the General Secretary by 11 September 2009 indicating your dissatisfaction with this detrimental recommendation to Irish-medium education. Feel free to use the information in the sample letters below or alternatively you can download these letters, sign and send them on.

Letter to the Minister for Education & Science

Letter to the General Secretary

Guide for Parents

The discontinuation of COGG would undoubtedly be a huge blow to Irish-medium education. Seize the opportunity to challenge this recommendation by supporting this campaign.

Gaelcholáiste na Mara

August 5, 2009

Coláiste Ráithín

August 5, 2009

Meánscoil Gharman

August 5, 2009

Coláiste Pobail Rath Cairn (G)

August 5, 2009

Coláiste Rís (Stream)

August 5, 2009

Coláiste Pobail Osraí

August 5, 2009

Gael-Choláiste Chill Dara

August 5, 2009

Gaelcholáiste Reachrann

August 5, 2009

Scoil Chaitríona

August 5, 2009

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