Clare TD Proposes Dedicated Irish Language Teachers In Primary Schools

The Clare-based chairperson of the Oireachtas Education Committee is suggesting primary schools hire dedicated Irish language teachers as a solution to the recruitment and retention crisis. Former primary school teacher, Meelick Fianna Fáil TD Cathal Crowe, has proposed having teachers tasked solely with teaching Irish "to uphold the quality of Irish in schools". The move, he says, would allow those without Irish, such as non-nationals, to purse careers in primary school teaching. Speaking in the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Education and Youth, Deputy Crowe claims it would open up opportunities for "qualified" and "highly competent" people from different backgrounds to become teachers.