The Government is ignoring the growing demand for the creation of gaelscoileanna and gaelcholáistí across Ireland, according to Social Democrats education spokesperson Jen Cummins.
Deputy Cummins said:
“There are 11 counties with no gaelcholáistí, no option for parents or their children to receive an education in their native language.
“More than 50% of the Department of Education’s school planning areas have no gaelscoil, and more than 90% of them have no gaelcholáiste.
“The Department has failed to open up lines of communication between Irish language communities around the country, including those who wish for their children to learn, and those who make the decisions regarding the establishment of gaelcholáistí.
“I know from interacting with my constituents that the demand is there for the creation of more gaelscoileanna and gaelcholáistí, yet there is no official channel for them to communicate this to the Department, who would rather not hear about their wants and needs.
“I stand Imeasc in their pursuit of language equality in education and will be advocating for the enshrinement of all-Irish education in the legislation which structures our education system.
“Almost half of all adults would choose an all-irish education for their children if it was available to them. We must endeavour to make this a reality in all localities.
“The Minister for Education must listen to Imeasc’s concerns and immediately establish a forum for parents and students to express their desire for an all-Irish education in communities across the country.”
April 22nd, 2026