Language Planning Criteria announced

September 20, 2013

The Regulations prescribing the language planning criteria under section 12 of the Gaeltacht Act 2012 were announced by the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht this week. These criteria will be used to evaluate language plans prepared for Gaeltacht Language Planning Areas, Gaeltacht Service Towns and Irish Language Networks.

Under the Gaeltacht Act 2012, the Gaeltacht was divided into 19 separate language planning regions, with the intention that a unique language plan would be drafted for each selected region. It was agreed at that time that a supervisory body would be named in each region to work alongside Údarás na Gaeltachta in implementing the language plan on the ground. In May of this year, it was announced that the language planning areas had been redefined, which meant an increase from 19 distinct areas to 26.

Announcing the new criteria, Minister of State, Dinny McGinley, T.D., said: “The publication of these criteria signifies another step forward in the language planning process. As a result of these Regulations, there is clarity regarding the criteria which will be used by my Department in the assessment of language plans prior to their approval. Based on this process, various areas may be designated as Gaeltacht Language Planning Areas, as Gaeltacht Service Towns or as Irish Language Networks, as appropriate, in accordance with the Gaeltacht Act.”

The bullet points below outline the next steps to be undertaken by the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, in conjunction with Údarás na Gaeltachta and Foras na Gaeilge, to progress the language planning process:

The Department is preparing guidelines, in conjunction with Údarás na Gaeltachta and Foras na Gaeilge, which will set out a transparent process for the preparation, implementation and assessment of language plans in the areas, towns and networks. These guidelines will assist the community organisations undertaking the language planning process on the ground.
Údarás na Gaeltachta and Foras na Gaeilge are preparing a transparent system by which organisations will be chosen to prepare and implement language plans in the various areas.
The Department is preparing notices, in conjunction with Údarás na Gaeltachta, under section 7(3) of the Act which will define the various electoral divisions included in the 26 Gaeltacht Language Planning Areas.

The language planning criteria can be viewed by clicking the following link: Ionstraimí Reachtúla IR 357 de 2013 (Critéir Pleanála Teanga).pdf

Foilsithe ar Gaelport.com

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History in schools

September 20, 2013

Sir, — Tom Collins (“Compulsory history, an anathema”, Education, September 18th) writes that “it is ironic that historians should find themselves arguing for compulsion, given the experience of compulsory Irish”.

It is not clear that Prof Collins has himself considered the experience of compulsory Irish quantitatively. The facts are that only geography and English had a higher number of students sitting higher level papers than sat the Irish paper in the Leaving Cert last June.

For a subject that is the target of all manner of negativity in this country for cultural reasons – often hidden behind the “I’d have really loved Irish if it wasn’t compulsory” argument – it is remarkable that almost 40 per cent of students sitting the exam chose higher level, when they were not compelled to do so.

Incidentally, while Irish is always the popular target when talking about compulsion, let us not forget either that 50,000 students sat maths in the Leaving Cert, while only 43,000 sat “compulsory” Irish. Compulsion ain’t what it used to be, it seems.

The relevance of history – even from a general knowledge perspective – as a central part of any educational system which purports to produce informed rounded citizens is self-evident.
It would be a shame if t he teaching of history were to fall victim to some specious political crusade to be seen to promote “choice”. In the average post-primary school, students find their choices extremely limited anyway, not least because of the constant cuts.

Had my daughter started post-primary school five years ago she could have studied two European languages but now because of cuts she can do only one in that school. In that context, talk of choice is risible.

This development is far more about creating the illusion of choice, as part of the Minister for Education Ruairí Quinn’s “reforming ” agenda, than creating actual choice, which would require more teachers teaching mo r e subjects. –

Yours, etc, Martin Ryan, Springlawn Close Blanchardstown, Dublin 15.

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Irish language classes in Wexford

September 19, 2013

Irish language classes for adults are returning to Wexford for Autumn 2013 and spring 2014

There are different levels to available to suit all levels Na Macallaí are also delighted to offer TEB B2 (Advanced Intermediate) again. Level B2 is recognised by the Department of Education and Skills as meeting the Irish Language entry requirements for Primary School Teacher Training Courses in the education colleges. This is a great opportunity for those who wish to pursue a career in the teaching profession, but who may not fulfil the Irish Language Entry requirements. This course is the equivalent of getting a C3 or higher in Gaeilge in the Leaving Certificate. The TEG syllabus and exams are structured different to the Leaving Certificate and are focused on the adult learner with the major emphasis on communicative Irish.

Registration date: 30/09/2013

Venue: Loch Garman @ An Tobar, Westgate Heritage Centre

Time: 7.30pm

Prices:

Beginners (Level A1) €120

Advanced Beginners ( Level A2) €120

Intermediate (Level B1) €150

Advanced Intermediate (Level B2) €220

N.B Prices quoted above are for 12 weeks. A full course is 24 weeks in duration. B2 is 32 weeks in duration. For further information contact: oifig@lochgarman.ie 087 913 5271 www.lochgarman.ie

N.B A course will only be run where there is sufficient demand, 8-10 participants minimum

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Irish oral preparation classes with Conradh na Gaeilge

September 19, 2013

Conradh na Gaeilge’s Leaving Certificate oral Irish preparation course will commence on Friday September 27.

Forty per cent of the Irish Leaving Cert exam is allocated to the oral examination. The course will cover every aspect of the oral examination and will provide the tools to gain confidence in the language. Classes will run each Friday for 10 weeks at Áras na nGael, 45 Dominick Street. Each class will last 1.5 hours, with two classes to choose from — 5pm or 6.30pm.
Early booking is advised, as there are limited spaces available. For more information contact Conradh na Gaeilge on 091 567824, conradh@bradan.iol.ie, or visit www.arasnangael.ie

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Permission granted for Coláiste na Coiribe

September 19, 2013

There was great celebration this week with the news that planning permission has been granted by An Bord Pleanála for the new Coláiste na Coiribe all Irish secondary school in Knocknacarra.

The bord granted permission with 19 conditions – three of which specifically deal with local residents’ concerns, such as the erection of signage preventing through traffic, construction of a gate, and the development of a traffic plan – for the school, which is set to cater for 720 students The development has been welcomed by Independent city councillor Catherine Connolly, who described it as “fantastic news”, which sees the “residents fully vindicated” after a “very long battle”. Planning permission for the school was granted by the Galway City Council in April, but residents of Fána Burca believed their concerns about the proposed building were not taken on board and so appealed the decision to ABP. The residents sought the development of a traffic plan to prevent school traffic using Fána Burca as a through way and/or drop-off point.

They also wanted a gate on the pedestrian/cycle entrance from the estate to the new school. This gate, residents argued, could be open during the day to allow full pedestrian/cycle access and closed in the evening. Their concerns were supported by Cllr Connolly who was a member of both the City Vocational Education Committee and the board of management of Colaiste na Coiribe from 1999 to 2009 “This was a very difficult decision for both the residents and myself as I had fought every step of the way for the new school,” she said. Cllr Connolly also facilitated a meeting between city planners and Fána Burca residents. With planning permission now granted for the school and residents concerns met, Cllr Connolly said the next step is to ensure “the rapid construction” of Coláiste na Coiribea “in accordance with the conditions and a celebration on its opening”.

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