Uncertainty surrounding the short-term funding of Irish Language organisations
June 4, 2013
At a meeting of the North South Ministerial Council (NSMC) last March, Ministers agreed to extend the existing core funding arrangements to 19 Irish language organisations until 31 December 2013.
Addressing Dáil Éireann last Thursday, Minister of State for the Gaeltacht, Dinny McGinley T.D. confirmed this decision.
While the six month extension would provide brief relief, the organisations themselves are seeking a longer-term solution. The relief was not long lived however, as shortly after the NSMC meeting in March, Foras na Gaeilge informed organisations that they were now initiating a new process to deal with applications for funding for the extended period and outlined cuts of between 5% and 6% as guideline figures. These cuts were to be made on the overall core-funding figure, and would not be applied to all organisations in the same manner.
Foras na Gaeilge drafted new priorities, based on particular themes, and organisations were informed that funding would now be allocated based on these priorities only. Organisations were informed that the new funding process would see winners and losers amongst the 19 organisations as funding applications would only be processed in accordance with the new criteria.
The Board of Foras na Gaeilge will meet on 28 June 2013, to review the applications and approve funding for organisations for the period 01 July 2013 – December 2013. The date of this meeting means funding decisions will be made on Friday for the period beginning the following Monday, and organisations will not be aware of their funding allocation until the new period has already begun.
In a written response to a parliamentary question posed to him, Minister of State for the Gaeltacht, Dinny McGinley T.D., stated that new models of funding are being analysed by Foras na Gaeilge, in conjunction with the core-funded organisations, with other key stakeholders and with the public, through public consultations in both jurisdictions. The Minister noted again the decision by the NSMC to provide interim funding based on the current core-funding arrangements until 31 December 2013.
Speaking on this topic, Kevin De Barra, Director of Comhdháil Náisiúnta na Gaeilge, the umbrella body for the Irish language voluntary movement, said “while the Minister has made efforts to clarify the situation, the waters are being muddied once more by information provided by Foras na Gaeilge which is at odds to that confirmed by the Minister”.
De Barra said he hopes the issue will become clearer over the next few weeks with a meeting of the NSMC scheduled next week, and said: “it is a pity that this situation has arisen again, where once again things are left to the last minute, with a Board meeting scheduled for Friday 28th June and the core-funded bodies clueless as to what allocation of funding they can expect to receive for a period which begins on the following Monday”.
Foilsithe ar Gaelport.com
Department of Education Review: Irish language in Gaeltacht schools
June 4, 2013
In the coming months, the Department of Education and Skills will be undertaking a review of the provision of Irish medium education in Gaeltacht schools.
Speaking at a conference held by Comhairle um Oideachas Gaeltachta agus Gaelscolaíochta (COGG), The Secretary General of the Department of Education, Seán Ó Foghlú addressed the fact that research indicates a significant decrease in a young native speaker’s fluency when he/she enters primary school.
He also mentioned that some of the key difficulties in teaching the language in Gaeltacht schools have to do with a wide range of levels in spoken Irish and also in parents’ attitude towards Irish-education.
This review is a huge step forward in terms of addressing problems in the current system. A major challenge for the authorities at Gaeltacht schools is the provision of a high standard of education through Irish at a time where the smallest schools face a significant risk of closure due to Government cuts. According to the Secretary General, the aim of this review is to recognise different choices in the provision of Irish medium education which suit the needs of the Gaeltacht community as well as the needs of Gaeltacht area planning according to Acht na Gaeltachta 2012.
It has been said that the review’s terms of reference have been set and that there will be an intended consultation process in which relevant parties in the sector will be involved. The process is set to begin soon and it is hoped that the research will be finalised by mid-2014.
Overall plan
This review is an integral part of the Department’s overall plan regarding Irish-medium education in the country and the language in general. According to the Secretary General, a new integrated language curriculum on foundation level is set to come into play at the end of 2014 and emphasis will be placed on the spoken elements in the syllabus as there is in ordinary level.
Reviews are also set to take place in several other areas of the current Irish-medium education system including the Leaving Certificate oral exam which will be conducted by the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA), and the current exemption from Irish process which is increasing in primary and secondary schools all over the country.
Dedication to the Irish language
Speaking at the conference which was celebrating COGG’s achievements over the past ten years, Seán Ó Foghlú emphasised the importance of the provision of Irish language services by the education sector including matters of law, throughout the media, in translation and of course, in education.
Ó Foghlú maintained that much progress has been made within the curriculum, the assessment process and teacher training in line with the National Literacy and Numeracy Strategy.
The conference was told that a report regarding the Department’s policies and its implementation of the 20 Year Strategy for the Irish language is currently under review by the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht and will be published in the coming months.
Foilsithe ar Gaelport.com
Time for action regarding Gaeltacht schools
June 4, 2013
The threat to Gaeltacht schools was discussed by the Dáil Committee on Education and Social Protection last Wednesday.
During the meeting, the Joint Committee heard from Eagraíocht na Scoileanna Gaeltachta (ESG) about the challenges currently facing Gaeltacht schools and the knock-on effects of Government Budget cuts.
While schools all around the country are operating in extremely challenging times, the committee was made aware of the exceptional case of Gaeltacht schools and the added pressure of being a small school while also trying to promote the language, improve the standard of teaching through Irish, provide support services, lack of resources and more.
4% of Ireland’s schools are situated in Gaeltacht regions and 78% of those schools operate with a team of four people or less. Gaeltacht schools had previously benefitted from a favourable quota due to the challenges involved with teaching in Gaeltacht areas, with 76 pupils required for a four-teacher school. This number however, is due to rise to 86 by 2014, a hike that will require 10 extra pupils for each Gaeltacht school to preserve their four-teacher status.
The Committee was reminded of the Government’s legislative responsibility regarding the preservation and promotion of Irish and Irish-medium education in the Gaeltacht under the Education Act 1998 and the 20 Year Strategy for the Irish Language. ESG recommended that the following three proposals be implemented in order for the Government to fulfil its obligations:
- The withdrawal of the budgetary policy regarding the pupil teacher ratio
- The immediate implementation of a policy on Gaeltacht education
- The establishment of new authority on Gaeltacht education (recommended that this role be filled by Comhairle um Oideachas Gaeltachta agus Gaelscolaíochta (COGG)).
Representatives from the Department of Education who were in attendance at the Committee meeting maintained that schools all over Ireland are suffering due to cuts and that Gaeltacht schools can no longer be exempt from Government policy. A review is of Irish-medium education within the Gaeltacht is due to begin shortly and it is expected that the results of that review will be made available as soon as possible.
While ESG welcomed the Department’s review, the organisation regretted that no review took place before the implementation of cuts. Committee members agreed that Gaeltacht schools should be treated as an exceptional case and argued that a ‘one cap fits all’ approach should not be taken by the Department. It is expected that the Committee will write to Minister for Education, Ruairí Quinn, in support of the recommendations made by ESG during the meeting.
Foilsithe ar Gaelport.com
Conference on youth culture and literature
June 4, 2013
‘Mionteanga, Mórscéalta’ is the title and theme of the third conference on youth literature and culture, taking place next September.
Youth culture and literature have come to the fore over the last few years and the focus of this year’s conference will be the importance of youth literature in a cultural and language based context.
The aim of the conference is to spark both discussion and debate on overcoming the challenges facing the Irish language within literature and youth culture and will be geared towards educators, students, publishers, translators, artists and others interested in youth literature and culture.
The conference organisers are seeking speakers for the event. Those interested are asked to send a title and summary (250 words) of their speech, along with a biography (50 words) to litriochtnanog13@gmail.com before 5pm, 14 June 2013. From poetry to singing, youth organisations for young Irish speakers to college courses, there is a wide range of topics to speak on.
The conference will take place in Marino Institute of Education, Griffith Avenue, Dublin 9 on 20-21 September 2013.
More information: http://litriochtnanog.blogspot.com.
Foilsithe ar Gaelport.com
Irish language summer camps
June 4, 2013
With the summer almost upon us, it’s that time of year again when summer camps are being organised throughout the country for young people who want to enhance their Irish language skills.
The events being organised as part of these summer camps include music, drama, art and sporting events. During the camps, children will gain the opportunity to speak and learn Irish while having fun.
Loughrea:
The camp is being organised by the local language office Gaeilge Locha Riach. The aim of this summer camp is to offer children an enjoyable and fun atmosphere where they can learn Irish. The camp will take place from 06 – 10 August and from 12 – 17 August with a wide range of activities taking place including games, various art events and a lot more.
The summer camp costs €45 for one week and €90 for two weeks. Discounts are available for families. More information regarding this summer camp as well as an application form is available by phoning 091 870718 or emailing oifig@lochariach.com.
Ógras:
Ógras will host summer camps throughout the country, for example camps will be held in Monkstown, Co. Dublin, in Knocknacarra, Co. Galway and in Tralee, Co. Kerry. The camps are mainly aimed at younger children and again offer a fantastic opportunity to learn Irish in an enjoyable and fun way.
A wide range of activities taking place within these camps include sports, games, music, art and a lot more. More information as well as an application form is available from Ógras or 01 475 1487.
Feachtas:
This summer camp, which is being organised by Feachtas for chidren aged between 10 – 15 years old is taking place in Colaiste Naomh Fhinín, Mullingar.
Running from 08 – 13 July, a broad range of activities are incorporated into the camp, including drama, singing, music agus other sporting events.
More information as well as an application form is available from Feachtas by phoning 01 672 25 940.
Foilsithe ar Gaelport.com
Clon Gaelscoil Concert in Kilgarriffe
June 4, 2013
This Friday evening 7th June, a Concert at Kilgarriffe Church (of Ireland), Clonakilty will be held at 8.00p.m. in aid of Gaelscoil Chloch na gCoillte.
The line-up includes Clonakilty Junior Brass Band; Glaslinn Ladies’ Choir, Vocalists; Fiona Kelleher and Paula Kingston O’ Brien; Trad piano player Hannah Collins and past and present students of the Gaelscoil. Táille isteach €10.
Tickets available from the Gaelscoil or at the door on the night.
With the construction of the new Gaelscoil building moving apace at Fernhill Road, all at the school are looking forward to “an bogadh mór” (the big move).
Like all schools, fundraising still continues however!
All support on Friday evening appreciated.
Teagmháil: gschlochnagcoillte@gmail.com
Gaelcholáistí named in Sunday Times’ Parent Power survey
June 4, 2013
GAELSCOILEANNA TEO. would like to congratulate the Gaelcholáistí named in the Sunday Times’ Parent Power survey published on June 2nd for their high progression rates to third-level education. 6 Irish-medium schools were named among the top 20 schools in the country, a significant result considering that just 4.9% of post-primary schools in the Republic of Ireland (outside Gaeltacht areas) are Irish-medium schools or have Irish-medium units. This result is testament to the excellent standard of Irish-medium education as well as the commitment and dedication of students, teachers and parents. Long may it continue! This survey shows that the investment made by the Department of Education and Skills in Irish-medium schools is very worthwhile and it supports the continuous applications made by GAELSCOILEANNA TEO. to the Department to increase provision, particularly at post-primary level, so that more students might benefit from an Irish-medium education.
GAELSCOILEANNA TEO. wishes all students sitting the Junior and Leaving Certificate in the coming weeks the very best of luck.
Moladh le CCEA – leabhair iontacha
June 4, 2013
There will no doubt be lots of complaints. There will perhaps be more complaints this year since some examinations will be corrected on line and there are bound to be teething problems.
But there is much more involved in the work of the Northern Examination Board (CCEA) than the setting and correction of examinations. It publishes guides for Irish teachers and pupils, but as well as that it puts out additional materials which increase pupils’ vocabulary in a creative way. It published two translations recently- ‘The Diary of Anne Frank’, and The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas’. Pádraig de Bléine has produced an excellent Irish translation of the two books. The Board has also produced a series of biographies – teenage reading material which is badly needed. And CCEA has just published six booklets on the life of Colm Cille in conjunction with the Nerve Centre in Derry. These are very attractive little booklets. The illustrations are excellent. The stories are told in straight forward, lively Irish in a very humorous style. If you turn the booklet upside down, you get the English version.
This is a far sighted policy. The requirements of Irish language students are different from the requirements of students doing other languages. The GCSE is the first step in repossessing the language. So we must go beyond the basic Irish required for the examination. This supplementary material is excellent preparation for AS and A Level. These books deserve a wider readership. Pupils all over Ireland and adults everywhere would be interested in them. Could the Board not make an arrangement with a publisher?
www.derryjournal.co.uk
The way I see it
June 4, 2013
Lost for words:
I can’t speak Irish. The only song I know in Irish is Carly Rae Jepsen’s ‘Call Me Maybe’, and I can do about four lines.
WITH my summer exam done, I realised that I am terrible at Irish. I don’t think I am the only one. I am proud of the language and I love hearing it being spoken perfectly, but hearing it being spoken as well as English is rare. Is Irish taught well?
I can barely construct a sentence. We did a mock oral and I kept saying ‘anois’. My sentences weren’t making sense. An example:
‘Last summer, I went out with friends now and now I went to matches’. If you handed that up in an English class, you would be booted down to the ordinary level.
Instead of reading those weird Irish books in national school, we should be taught the basic grammar rules. We should learn how to construct sentences in past tense, present tense, and future tense. We should also get a start on the dreaded, most feared tense ever…the modh coinníollach, the conditional tense. The ‘I would, you would, he or she would’, and so on. If we learned how to use the verb correctly, that would be half the battle.
My cousin told me her child can do ‘Baa Baa Black Sheep’ in Irish and I was quite impressed. The only song I know in Irish is Carly Rae Jepsen’s ‘Call Me Maybe’, and I can do about four lines. I know it because one of the girls who went to the gaeltacht kept singing it.
The gaeltacht should get better press. When people talk about the gaeltacht, I hear all about the ‘craic agus ceoil’. I would love if my Irish classes could be that exciting and fun.
Irish is a complex language and beautiful to hear. I realised how stunning it sounded when I went to see Ballingeary play Kiskeam, and the Ballingeary bench talked in Irish. It was nice to hear, a team spurred on in our native language.
I would love to revive the Irish language and I would like to visit the gaeltacht and learn ‘cupla focail’. I’d love to be able to go abroad and talk in my native language. I would encourage the Irish to learn a few words and embrace their language, embrace it like French people embrace French, and the Spanish people embrace Spanish.
I certainly do not want my language to fizzle out and I do not want us to lose more of our national identity. So let’s make Irish fun, let’s teach kids grammar and let’s encourage teenagers to go to the gaeltacht and have craic, and learn the cupla focail, and let’s revive our language before it’s gone for good. . Because, after all, it’s what makes us who we are.
www.irishexaminer.com
Dialann Ghaeilge an tSamhraidh i gCeatharlach
June 4, 2013
