June 2026
During June, Comhairle na Gaelscolaíochta continued its work on behalf of the Irish-medium education sector at every level, from development and strategic planning to educational support and advocacy. The month was marked by important meetings, celebration of achievements, and ongoing work to strengthen the future of Irish-medium education across the north.
Strong Sectoral Support for Sinn Féin's Irish-Medium Education Workforce Planning Bill
A wide range of stakeholders expressed their support for the Irish-Medium Education (Workforce Planning) Bill before the Assembly's Education Committee during June.
On 27 May, Diarmaid Ua Bruadair, Principal of Gaelcholáiste Dhoire, and Mícheál Mac Giolla Ghunna, Principal of Coláiste Feirste, gave evidence on recruitment challenges and the increasing demand for qualified teachers.
On 3 June, Maria Thomasson (Chief Executive of Comhairle na Gaelscolaíochta) and Christine McCollum (Senior Education Officer) provided comprehensive evidence to the Committee, arguing that there is an urgent need for a statutory framework to ensure long-term workforce planning. Particular emphasis was placed on teacher shortages, recruitment and retention challenges, the lack of dedicated post-primary teacher training pathways, excessive workload pressures on practitioners, and the need to embed immersion education expertise throughout the education system. We also highlighted the need for appropriate SEN support, substitute teacher provision, resource development, and continual workforce needs modelling.
On 17 June, Altram highlighted the specific needs of the early years immersion sector before the Education Committee. Subsequently, on 24 June, Pilib Mistéil, Principal of Bunscoil an tSléibhe Dhuibh, and the Northern Ireland Youth Assembly expressed their strong support for the Bill and its long-term vision for the sustainable development of Irish-medium education.
Education Team
The Education Team had a busy month working with a range of partners to enhance support for pupils and Irish-medium schools. The Principals' Forum met online, where matters relating to TransformED and SEN were discussed. Colleagues from the Education Authority also delivered a presentation on the MULLÁIL assessment tool, which prompted valuable discussion on assessment and learning development.
During the month, the team hosted a delegation from the Department of Education and the Education Authority on school visits to provide practical insight into the implementation of SEN provision within the Irish-medium education context. The Education Authority's SEN Team visited Bunscoil Phobail Feirste and Coláiste Feirste, while Department of Education officials visited Scoil an Droichid and Coláiste Feirste to discuss support for pupils.
The team also attended a meeting of the Irish-Medium Education Strategy Working Group, where future facilities development and sectoral needs were discussed.
Development Team
The Development Team continued its work to expand and strengthen Irish-medium education provision. An accommodation meeting was held in partnership with Iontaobhas na Gaelscolaíochta and the Department of Education, and members of the team attended a Preschool Education Group (PEG) meeting in Antrim, where issues relating to preschool provision were discussed.
Sectoral development work also continued in Newry. The team, together with the nursery school committee, designed a comprehensive demand survey and coordinated the appropriate channels for its implementation. In addition, the Development Team met with the nursery school's project team, in partnership with Foras na Gaeilge, to advance work in the area.
At a strategic level, Terms of Reference were drafted and agreed for a new working group that will focus on developing new post-primary Irish-medium education provision in Counties Tyrone and Fermanagh, representing an important step in the sector's long-term planning.
Policy and Advocacy Team
Tarlach attended a number of meetings during the month, including a meeting with the Council for Catholic Maintained Schools (CCMS) and representatives from Gaeloideachas Chontae Dhoire; a meeting with Iontaobhas na Gaelscolaíochta and the Department of Education to discuss accommodation issues within the sector; and a meeting of the Principals' Forum.
In addition, a response was prepared to the Department of Education consultation on Teacher Professional Learning (TPL), and a research initiative examining management and support models for the Irish-medium education sector was commissioned.
Chief Executive (CE)
The Chief Executive, Maria, had an exceptionally busy programme throughout the month. She attended the prize-giving ceremony at St Mary's University College, where she presented awards to students who had excelled in their studies. Congratulations to Áine Kerlin, Grian Ní Dhamhín and Áine Ní Reannacháin on their achievements, and we extend a warm welcome to all teachers entering the Irish-medium education sector.
The final Board meeting of Comhairle na Gaelscolaíochta for the academic year was also held. The Board reviewed the year's work and discussed the key priorities facing the sector in the year ahead.
Maria and Christine appeared before the Assembly Education Committee, where important sectoral issues were discussed, particularly the implications relating to provision and staff recruitment.
Maria also attended several other strategic meetings during the month, including a meeting with CCMS and Gaeloideachas Chontae Dhoire regarding the development of Irish-medium education in Magerafelt. She also attended a meeting of the Integrated and Shared Schooling Strategy Governance Group (IMSSG) as part of the work of Pillar 2 of the Irish-medium Education Strategy.
Looking Ahead
Comhairle na Gaelscolaíochta would like to express its sincere thanks to everyone who contributed to the success of Irish-medium education throughout the year. We thank teachers, classroom assistants, support staff, principals and all school staff for their dedication, professionalism and daily commitment to our children. We also thank parents and families who have provided ongoing support for immersion education and school life throughout the year. Through the collective efforts of all involved, Irish-medium education continues to grow and go from strength to strength.
We wish everyone a happy and restful summer and look forward to continuing this important work in the autumn.