Launch of Irish-language Third level Prospectus - Cogg

Launch of Irish language Third level Prospectus
Irish courses at third level offer real career opportunities.
Thursday last saw the launch of the new Irish Language Third level Prospectus. The
prospectus is the product of continuing cross-border cooperation between Comhairle
na Gaelscolaíochta (The Council for Irish-medium Education) and An Chomhairle um
Oideachas Gaeltachta agus Gaelscolaíochta (The Council for Gaeltacht and Irish
medium Education). Seán Ó Coinn, Chief Executive of Comhairle na
Gaelscolaíochta said “There is an ongoing growth in Irish-medium Education on both
sides of the border at preschool, primary and post-primary level, as well as an increase
in Irish as a subject in English-medium schools. Therefore it seemed only natural to
present these students with options that would allow them to continue with Irish as
well as following their chosen career path at third level”.
Mr Ó Coinn continued “In order to produce the prospectus we contacted the various
universities and third level institutes throughout the country to gain information about
subjects offered either through the medium of Irish or combined with Irish. We have
been surprised to find that over one hundred separate subjects including technology,
law, media, science and education are currently available in Universities and in other
third level Institutes throughout Ireland”.
Information for Career Teachers
One of the main objectives of the Prospectus is to provide career advisors with the
information required to advise students who wish to continue with Irish while
studying at third level. Muireann Ní Mhóráin of An Chomhairle um Oideachas
Gaeltachta agus Gaelscolaíochta said “In the past many students were advised not to
continue with Irish as there was a general perception that it offered limited career
options. This is an outdated and frankly incorrect analysis of the opportunities that
the Irish language has to offer. With the increase in the use of the language and the
laws that support it, a growing number of opportunities exist for Irish speakers.
Therefore having Irish is likely to afford more career opportunities than any other
modern language”.
Opportunities in Education.
When asked what motivated Comhairle na Gaelscolaíochta and An Chomhairle um
Oideachas Gaeltachta agus Gaelscolaíochta to launch a third level prospectus, Seán Ó
Coinn replied “I suppose we have a selfish reason for this. As we continue to develop
our schools the industry surrounding this burgeoning education sector will continue to
grow and develop. At present there are more than 35,000 children being taught
through the medium of Irish throughout Ireland. In short this means that there will
always be a need for committed well educated people to teach in our schools at
preschool, primary and at post primary level. We will also require an increasing
number of people in the areas of technology, publishing, catering and in the many
industries that support Irish-medium Education. Mr Ó Coinn continued “by
encouraging more people to continue with Irish at third level we are in fact making
sure that a substantial pool of young people will be available to take up these careers
in the future”.
Mr Ó Coinn finished “It is an exciting time for everyone involved with the Irish
language. There is a new confidence regarding career choices as the language

community continues to grow and develop. We hope that this prospectus will inform
students’ decisions and encourage them to consider a third level option with Irish so
that they may take their place in the professional workforce of the new confident Irish
speaking community”.
Further Information:
Comhairle na Gaelscolaíochta.
Tel: 028 90321475
Email: eolas@comhairle.org
An Chomhairle um Oideachas Gaeltachta agus Gaelscolaíochta
Tel: 003531 6340831
Email: eolas@cogg.ie