ETBI Journal of Education - Vol 2:2 November 2020 (Irish-medium Education)

ETBI Journal of Education November 2020
groups, for each of the two institutes, were
established to provide advice on provision for the
Irish-medium teacher-education programmes.
Despite the challenges presented by the COVID-19
pandemic, both institutes succeeded in providing
continuity of learning experiences for students
during the year, and particularly in relation
to the alternative assessment arrangements
implemented. It is encouraging also that there is
a high level of demand for both teacher education
programmes. The marketing campaigns
implemented are successful in attracting students
into the programmes.
The National University of Ireland, Galway (NUIG)
has been successful also in the online advertising
undertaken to publicise the Professional Master
of Education (PME) programme for postprimary
teachers. The Gaeltacht Education
Unit provided additional resources for NUIG in
the form of secondment arrangements for two
post-primary teachers from 2017 onwards. This
Irish-medium teacher education programme is
much sought after and the number of students on
the Professional Masters in Education was at its
highest ever in 2020.
ISLAND POST-PRIMARY SCHOOLS
The Department of Education acknowleges
the significant challenges faced by island postprimary
schools and the importance of these
schools to the preservation of island communities.
In recognition of the unique challenges and
importance of island schools, the Department
continues to provide additional supports to the
five post-primary schools that are participating in
the Gaeltacht School Recognition Scheme for the
2020/21 school year. As part of this package, the
additional allocation of teachers was increased
for each of the island post-primary schools from
one whole-time equivalent post to 1.5 wholetime
equivalent posts, from September 2018
onwards. In addition, each island post-primary
school receives an annual additional ring-fenced
budget of €15,000 to cover additional operational
costs. This sum is in addition to the normal
capitation grants allocated to ETBs for all schools.
In addition, from September 2018, one of the
island post-primary schools, Coláiste Naomh Eoin,
Inis Meáin, which previously operated as a Unit
(Aonad), received recognition as an independent
school. All five island post-primary schools are
under the patronage of Galway-Roscommon ETB
and Donegal ETB.
CONCLUSION
The Department is fully committed to
implementing the measures contained in the
Policy on Gaeltacht Education 2017-2022
and over €13m has been provided to date to
implement various measures. The Department
is particularly grateful to all Gaeltacht school
communities who are working assiduously
to provide immersion education experiences
for students in the face of considerable daily
challenges as a result of the impact of the
pandemic on education and health.
We would like to extend our gratitude to
Gaeltacht school communities, education and
training boards, COGG, higher-level institutes,
and members of the Gaeltacht Education Policy
Advisory Committee for their support in the
implementation of the wide range of actions in
the Gaeltacht Policy.
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