The Union of Students in Ireland

Lobbying Organisation The Union of Students in Ireland

Date published 21 May, 2024

Relevant Matter Public policy or programme

Public Policy Area Education and Training

Period 1 Jan, 2024 to 30 Apr, 2024

Specific Details Teaching of the Irish Language at all levels of education

Intended results The Minister for Education to develop a comprehensive policy for Irish teaching in the Education System from pre-school up to third level. Based on the briefs of the Gaeilge4All Campaign: "To strengthen and defend the Irish language in our education system and to ensure that every student can have a positive, meaningful and fulfilling Irish language learning experience from preschool to third level.

Name of person primarily responsible for lobbying on this activity Bláithín Nic a t-Sithigh

Did any Designated Public Official(DPO) or former Designated Public Official(DPO) carry out lobbying activities on your behalf in relation to this return? You must include yourself, and answer Yes, if you are a current DPO or a DPO at any time in the past. (What is a Designated Public Official?) No

Did you manage or direct a grassroots campaign? No

Was this lobbying done on behalf of a client? No

Lobbying activity

The following activities occurred for this specific Subject Matter Area.

Meeting (1)

Meeting with the Assistance Secretary General at the Department of Education to reiterate the intended results and request progress updates.

Meeting (1)

Meeting with a member of An Aonad um Oideachas Gaeltachta (AOG) within the Department of Education. Discussed the need for a policy for comprehensive Irish language education from pre-school up to third-level,

Meeting (1)

Meeting with the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment the Coiste Oideachas with Conradh na Gaeilge.

Designated public officials lobbied

The following DPOs were lobbied during this return period on this specific Subject Matter Area. These DPOs were involved in at least one of the Lobbying Activities listed above, but not necessarily all of them. As returns are specific to a Subject Matter Area the above Lobbying Activities may be associated with multiple returns.

Tomás Ó Ruairc Assistant Secretary (Department of Education)