Taoiseach officiates Gealscoileanna openings through medium of Irish

Speaking exclusively to The Anglo-Celt during his visit to Co Monaghan earlier today (Friday) to officially open two new Gaelscoileanna in Clones and Castleblayney, Taoiseach Micheál Martin highlighted the importance of Irish-medium education.

“I think Gealscoileanna have been a very important movement within the Irish education system over the last 40-50 years. They've brought forward a whole new generation of people who are very comfortable speaking and working in the Irish language.”

It was also noted that Co Cavan still has no second level Irish language school.

The Taoiseach responded: “Obviously in many areas we have Gaelcoláistí, I know we do here in Monaghan, in Coláiste Oiriall. There's a need for more Gaelcoláistí in areas where we have a lot of Gaelscoileanna, but there are challenges because population is declining.”

The Fianna Fáil leader added that some groups are now applying to have existing Bunscoileanna converted into Gaelscoileanna and that a range of different models and approaches are likely to emerge in the years ahead.

At both Gealscoil Eois in Clones and Gaelscoil Lorgan in Castleblayney, Deputy Martin delivered his speeches as Gaeilge.

The Taoiseach also visited St Clare’s Primary School in Cavan this morning.

See the print edition of The Anglo-Celt this Wednesday for more on his visit.