Appointment of New Minister for Education
May 8, 2008
A Statement of Congratulations from GAELSCOILEANNA TEO.
GAELSCOILEANNA TEO. congratulates Batt O’Keeffe, T.D. on his appointment as Minister for Education and Science. The new Minister for Education hails from Cork, the largest stronghold of Irish-medium education in the country. We welcome him as he embarks upon this challenging new post.
This new appointment affords the nation the chance to re-examine the crucial issues and the greatest concerns currently facing the education and the Irish-medium sectors. Amongst these are the early immersion education crisis, class size, capitation grants, autism and strategic planning for provision of education.
Bláthnaid ní Ghréacháin, Chief Executive of the organisation commented, “We are presented with an excellent opportunity for strategic dialogue with Minister O’Keeffe concerning the protection of the early immersion model, the accommodation needs of Irish-medium schools and the provision of all the support essential to the development of the Irish-medium sector. With good will, deep awareness of the specific needs of the sector and a co-operative approach, we are very hopeful that the Irish-medium sector will go from strength to strength under the new Minister.
Minister O’ Keeffe succeeds Minister Hanafin who worked diligently throughout her tenure as Minister for Education. We wish her the best of luck in her new appointment with the Department of Social Welfare.
GAELSCOILEANNA TEO. heartily congratulates the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, Éamon Ó Cuív, TD on his re-appointment. GAELSCOILEANNA TEO. President Mícheál Ó Broin welcomed this continuity by adding “I look forward to the opportunities that this brings about for inter-departmental co-operation for the Irish-medium sector. The appointment of the new Taoiseach inspires hope and shows a deep understanding and respect for the Irish-medium sector and the Irish language in general.”
The organisation extends the new Taoiseach and his new cabinet every good wish. In the words of ní Ghréacháin, “We are certain that the new government will rise to the challenges with dedication, ability and in a spirit of partnership.”
GAELSCOILEANNA TEO. is the national co-ordinating body for schools teaching through the medium of Irish. It helps parents and local groups to set up new schools and supports the established Irish-medium schools. There are 169 primary schools and 43 secondary schools currently providing education through the medium of Irish.
Further information:
Oifig GAELSCOILEANNA TEO. 01-4773155
Mícheál Ó Broin 087-9467700
