Highlights 2013
December 17, 2013
As we approach the end of 2013, we look back at some of Comhdháil Náisiúnta na Gaeilge’s highlights from the past year.
Advocacy and Representation
Comhdháil Náisiúnta na Gaeilge provided information regarding the Official Languages Act 2003 to the public and to public bodies. In total, 20 submissions were made to public bodies preparing draft language schemes under the Official Languages Act 2003.
An Chomhdháil played a central role in the Forum of Core-Funded Organisations, to address changes in the sector in conjunction with its member organisations, other core-funded organisations and both States. This role involved regular contact with Foras na Gaeilge, the Sponsoring Departments, members of the Houses of the Oireachtas and the Assembly as well as other stakeholder groups.
An Chomhdháil actively participated on the Comhairle um Oideachas Gaeltachta agus Gaelscolaíochta and in the campaign to establish a Language Act in Northern Ireland.
An Chomhdháil also actively participated on the Comhairle um Oideachas Gaeltachta agus Gaelscolaíochta (COGG) and had an active role on the Coiste Stiúrtha for the INTEREG research and training project entitled Menter Iontach Nua.
Awareness campaigns were organised encouraging the public to take part in a Foras na Gaeilge public consultation on Irish language readership; an online campaign on the public consultation on the Draft-bill on Education (Admission to Schools) Bill which also involved media coverage and contact with members of the Houses of the Oireachtas as well as other interested parties – An Chomhdháil also made a comprehensive submission regarding this matter. An awareness campaign was also organised regarding the consultation on the changes to the Junior Certificate syllabus.
Digital Services
An Chomhdháil undertook a comprehensive digital strategy this year with the overall aim of Gaelport.com being to the forefront on the digital stage.
Gaelport.com Mobile, which is available on all smart phones, is continuing to be received well and Gaelport is being continually developed on digital and social platforms with multimedia material, videos and pictures published on YouTube, Facebook and Twitter.
The biggest news feeds on Gaelport.com continue to be developed:
Latest News: The latest stories from the Irish language community – Visitors to this page increased by 6%.
From the Papers: A daily news digest of the latest Irish language news stories from the national and regional press.
Jobs: A free online recruitment service – Visits to this page increased by 19% and 134 vacancies were advertised throughout 2013.
Events Diary: An events calendar detailing Irish language events around the world – Visits to this page increased by 57% and 254 events were advertised free of charge.
Courses: An online resource detailing training courses and Irish classes for all levels – Visits to this page increased by 84%.
7 na Seachtaine, a new publication of a selection of the biggest news stories from Gaelport.com, was launched in 2013.
• 7,685 subscribers to the weekly e-zine 7 na Seachtaine
• 2,035 subscribers to the daily news digest As Na Nuachtáin
Other Comhdháil projects
Over 1,962 students from 56 post-primary schools attended the Buntáiste Breise na Gaeilge seminars throughout 2013.
Cuireadh Chun Cainte was broadcast on TG4 during the Easter break and was distributed to all post-primary schools in the country during 2012/2013. This learning package has received over 190,000 views on YouTube.
Céim Chun Tosaigh TG4 was broadcast on TG4 in the Spring and a copy of this DVD along with all extra material has been received by every post-primary school (824 schools) since September 2013.
Turas na bhFilí took place in Ireland in April and in Scotland in September with full attendance at all events held as part of this cultural exchange between. Once again this year there was great interest in Comórtas Uí Néill, the bilingual poetry competition held as part of the festival.
The sale of An Fáinne Óir, An Fáinne Airgid and An Seanfháinne continued successfully as well the Mass leaflets service provided by Comhdháil Náisiúnta na Gaeilge which delivers to 43 parishes throughout the year. Over 25 participants took part in the Ciorcal Comhrá which was held in Cois Teallaigh from January-September 2013.
Foilsithe ar Gaelport.com
