Irish education organisations in talks about merger
October 18, 2011
Gaelscoileanna Teoranta and Eagraíocht na Scoileanna Gaeltachta are currently in talks about merging the functions of the two Irish language education organisations.
A motion was passed at the annual general meeting of Eagraíocht na Scoileanna(ESG) which was held in Galway last weekend, giving the go-ahead for discussions with Gaelscoileanna Teoranta.
The idea of merging the two organisations was one which first emerged over a year ago. Bláthnaid Ní Ghréacháin, CEO of Gaelscoileanna believes the foundation of one authoritative Irish language education organisation to speak and act on Irish language issues on a nationwide basis would be of great benefit to the language and to students.
It would also be in line with the goals of the 20 Year Strategy for the Irish language that initiatives focusing on Irish language education would be carried out in a co-ordinated fashion.
The two organisations currently operate in different areas with funding from separate state agencies. ESG currently operates in Gaeltacht areas and receives funding from the Department Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht with Gaelscoileanna Teoranta, who are funded by Foras na Gaeilge, responsible for the co-ordination of Irish medium education outside of Gaeltacht areas.
The organisations are hoping that the two funders will take an active role in these discussions and propose a solution to the funding of any new organisation.
ESG are funded until the end of the next month but no decision has been announced by the Department as to the future funding of the organisation.
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