Towards a New Gaeltacht education policy – conference

Údarás na Gaeltachta and An Chomhairle um Oideachais Gaeltachta agus Gaelscolaíochta have announced that they will hold a two-day conference on “Towards a New Gaeltacht Education Policy” in the Connemara Coast Hotel in Na Forbacha on the 18-19 April. Guest-speakers from Ireland and abroad will discuss policy concerning Irish in Gaeltacht schools, professional training and development for teachers, the structure of Gaeltacht education, along with school and community.

Among the main speakers who will share their expertise and opinions with conference attendees are:

• Seán Ó Floinn, Assistant Chief Inspector from the Department of Education and Science;
• Dr Hywel Glynn Lewis, Co-ordinator of the MA in Bilingual Education, Trinity College, Caermarthen, Wales;
• Dr. Daniel Bourgeois, Moncton University, Canada;
• Dr. Peadar Ó Flatharta, Fiontar, Dublin City University;
• Joe Mac Donnchadha & Conchúr Ó Giollagáin, Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge;
• And Pádraig Ó Duibhir, Coláiste Phádraig, and Midheál Ó Móráin, SN Lios Póil.

The Conference and some of the guest-speakers will discuss available research, hold workshops and agree recommendations to put forward to the Minister for Education and Science and the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs.

This Conference is primarily for parties interested in Gaeltacht education – principals and teachers from primary and second-level schools, representatives from management committees, the Vocational Education Committees, school patrons and other representatives for state-sponsored bodies who deal with Gaeltacht education matters.

An Chomhairle um Oideachas Gaeltachta agus Gaelscolaíochta and Údarás na Gaeltachta in partnership with Eagraíocht na Scoileanna Gaeltachta and Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge are holding the conference.