Údarás na Gaeltachta welcomes the announcement by the Minister for Education and Science, Mary Hanafin, T.D. for the provision of a Support and Development Resource Centre for the Irish language to be established in Coláiste Íosagáin, Baile Bhuirne under the auspices of An Chomhairle um Oideachas Gaeltachta agus Gaelscolaíochta. An t-Údarás believes that this decision will encourage all those involved in Gaeltacht and Irish-medium school education. It will give An Chomhairle and an tÚdarás an opportunity to work together to build on this important development step of providing a strong support structure for Gaeltacht schools.
Údarás also welcomes the Ministers decision to increase the marks for the oral Irish exam in the Junior and Leaving Certificate to 40% and believes that this will benefit the Irish language and add to its appeal.