All-Irish language ethos protected under draft Education Bill
September 10, 2013
The language ethos of all-Irish primary and secondary schools will be recognised under the Admission to Schools Bill 2013.
There are concerns however, regarding the implications for the quality and experience of Irish medium education as a result of measures detailed in the draft Bill.
The Admission to Schools Bill has been drafted with a view to remove any discriminatory practices from the Ireland’s school admissions system, both ar primary and secondary level.
Proposals within the draft Bill include a limited application period for all schools, strict rules regarding entry fees and the clearing of waiting lists over a set period of time.
Education groups welcomed last week’s publication of the draft Bill by Minister for Education and Skills, Ruairí Quinn. Certain aspects of the draft Bill however, have caused concern within the education sector and the Irish medium education sector has expressed deep concern regarding the effects some measures within the draft Bill could have on the ethos of all-Irish schools.
While the sector welcomed the decision not to block all-Irish schools from giving preference to children from Irish-speaking households, and the decision not to discount the preference for gaelscoileanna as feeder schools, other aspects of the draft Bill could create huge challenges for Irish-medium education.
As it stands, the draft Bill proposes the removal of any interview process with parents or children before enrolment. However, according to Gaelscoileanna Teoranta, the primary organisation within the Irish-medium education sector, an interview process is a common practice in schools where demand exceeds places as an interview process may be used to assess the language ability and habits of a family during the enrolment process.
Concern was also raised by the lack of recognition given to early immersion learning with in the draft Bill. It proposes that gaelscoileanna may not give preference to those who attended Naíonraí or Irish language pre-schooling, an important aspect in the current enrolment process.
The draft Bill will go to an Oireachtas Committee for consideration where recommendations for amendments will be heard. Chief Executive of Gaelscoileanna Teo., Bláthnaid ní Ghréacháin said that the organisation looks forward to taking part in the consultation process which is due to begin in the next few weeks and schools across the country and welcomes schools across the country to make their thoughts regarding the practical implications known.
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