Major Research Report on Special Educational Needs in Irish-medium Education launched by Comhairle na Gaelscolaíochta

Comhairle na Gaelscolaíochta (CnaG) is today (29/11/2024) launching a research report on the important issue of Special Educational Needs (SEN) in the Irish-medium sector in the north. 

This research is entitled The Provision for Special Educational Needs and Disabilities in Irish-medium Education and gives a comprehensive overview of the current range of SEN in the sector, the lack of provision to address these challenges and various mitigation proposals. 

This report was a joint effort by CnaG, led by Orla Nig Fhearraigh, Senior Education Officer; Dr Sinéad Nic Aindriú, Assistant Professor in Irish Language Teaching, Dublin City University and SEN practitioners in the Irish-medium education sector locally.  

The main focus of this research is on the educational support bodies in the north, in the context of reviews currently being undertaken by the Department of Education and the Education Authority in relation to SEN. CnaG now intends to present the report and its recommendations to the Minister for Education and educational support bodies, as well as to local politicians, other educational organisations and shareholders, so that the specific needs of Irish-medium education are included in future SEN initiatives. 

A copy of the research report can be found here: The Provision for Special Educational Needs and Disabilities in Irish-medium Education November 2024 

Vacancy on the Board of the Education Authority

Click on the links below for further information and the application form:

Information Booklet & Application Form

CPANI Guidance on Conflicts of Interest Integrity and How to raise a complaint

Standards of Behaviour and Probity & Conflicts of Interest – Guidance for Nominees

 

 

If you have any additional queries, feel free to contact:

Maria Thomasson

Chief Executive and Board Secretary

Email: mariathomasson@comhairle.org

Telephone:  028 90321475

 

Please note the closing date for applications is at

4.00pm on Friday 21st February 2025

Ghaelscoil Uí Dhochartaigh Official Opening

The Irish-medium community in Strabane had cause for celebration last week at the official opening of the new Gaelscoil Uí Dhochartaigh school building. At a cost of over £7 million the new building represents an important milestone for the development of Irish-medium education in Strabane, since the establishment of the original school in 1997.

First Minister Michelle O’Neill, MLA officiated at the opening ceremony, where those in attendance were treated to musical performances from the talented children of Gaelscoil Uí Dhochartaigh.

The First Minister, Michelle O’Neill

The Mayor of Derry & Strabane, Lilian Seenoi-Barr was also in attendance, as were former and current members of the Board of Governors, parents, past pupils and officials from the Education Authority and the Department of Education.

Commemorative plaque

Maria Thomasson, CEO of Comhairle na Gaelscolaíochta also attended the opening and spoke of the impact that the new facilities would have on the children and staff of Gaelscoil Uí Dhochartaigh;

‘I am delighted that after many years, the Irish-medium community in Strabane has the facilities that they deserve. It is testament to the work of the school governors and staff that children attending Gaelscoil Uí Dhochartaigh now have access to excellent facilities in a beautiful setting. I wish the entire Gaelscoil Uí Dhochartaigh family all the very best in the years to come, and look forward to attending similar events in other Irish-medium communities in the coming years.’

Children from the school playing music

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