A ministerial visit!

Minister Carey, TD visits a meeting of Comhdháil Náisiúnta na Gaeilge.

This story in Irish

Minister for Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs, Pat Carey TD, visited a meeting last night of the member organisations of Comhdháil Náisiúnta na Gaeilge.

Comhdháil Náisiúnta na Gaeilge is the central steering council for the Irish language community, and currently comprising 24 member organisations, representing all fields of the Irish language voluntary sector around the country.

Representatives of the member organisations of An Chomhdháil gave an account of the work they undertake, along with the opportunities and the challenges they face. Further discussion on the work of the voluntary sector ensued, along with discussion of the current uncertainty in relation to funding.

President of Comhdháil Náisiúnta na Gaeilge, Dr. Helen Ó Murchú, said the organisations were open to change, and were ready to play their role in the implementation of the Government’s 20 Year Strategy on the Irish Language 2010-2030. She noted, however, that the context within which the organisations are operating is constantly changing, and the sector requires some assurance of their future funding.

Minister Carey spoke of the importance of the voluntary sector in general, and gave high praise to the Irish language voluntary sector for their great achievements in the promotion of the Irish language, and the continual development of Irish language services.

Speaking on the future of the Irish language, Minister Carey said: “The Government has a long-term strategy pertaining to the Irish language. Ambitious goals are laid out in the strategy, and the Government will be relying on partnerships with the Irish language sector in order to achieve these goals, and to fully implement the Strategy”.

Dr. Ó Murchú presented the Minister with a report on the work of the member organisations of An Chomhdháil, and Pádraig Mac Criostail, Director of An Chomhdháil presented Minister Carey with a gold Fáinne, in recognition of the Minister’s support for the promotion of the Irish language.

200% rise in new Naíonraí

Over 200% Rise in Naíonraí Year on Year With 18 New Naíonraí opening.

This story in Irish "Glúin nua!"

18 new Naíonraí in September 2010 that will be opening their doors for the first time this year. This figure is up on last year’s figure of 5 new Naíonraí.

The Naíonraí in question are as follows:-

• Naíonra Links, Portmarnock, Dublin
  

• Naíonra Céimeanna Beaga, Artane, Dublin
  
• Naíonra Tír na nÓg, Stoneybatter, Dublin
  
• Naíonra Páistí na Beatha, Swords, Dublin
  
• Naíonra Links, Drumcondra, Dublin
  
• Naíonra Bogha Báistí, Inchicore, Dublin
  
• Naíonra na Seanscoile, Lucan, Dublin.
  
• Naíonra Montessori Matters, Lucan, Dublin.
  
• Spraoi Chill Mhantáin, Rathnew, Co. Wicklow.
  
• Naíonra Bhóín Dé, Newbridge, Co. Kildare.
  
• Naíonra Boisíní, Leixlip, Co. Kildare.
  
• Naíonra Spraoi le Chéile, Leitrim, Co. Leitrim.
  
• Naíonra Jigsaw, Waterford.
  
• Naíonra Bóthar na Modhfheirme, Cork.
  
• Naíonra Pobail an Sciobairín, Skibbereen, Co. Cork.
  
• Naíonra Bellview Woods, Killarney, Co. Kerry.
  
• Naíonra Ghuaire, Gorey, Co. Wexford.
  
• Naíonra an Choillín, Mullingar, Co. Westmeath.

Forbairt Naíonraí Teoranta’s (FNT) Chairperson, Máire Uí Bhriain said: ‘This is a huge step forward. There has been an enormous increase in the number of Naíonraí and the number of children attending Naíonraí services. These childcare services provide support for parents who would like to use the Irish language with their children as well receiving high quality childcare for their children.’

Clíona Frost, CEO of Forbairt Naíonraí Teoranta said: ‘We wish the new Naíonraí, and their Stiúrthóirí the best of luck. We also wish the children and their parents’ all the best on this proud day as they set off on this important journey. We also wish each and every Naíonra that is reopening well for the new school year as they continue to provide excellent childcare through Irish.’

Forbairt Naíonraí Teoranta is an all-Ireland voluntary organisation which supports the promotion of education and care services in Irish for children from birth. Forbairt Naíonraí Teoranta provides support to help start up, establish and maintain the follows services through Irish immersion: crèches, Naíonraí, school-age services, summer camps agus parent/guardian and toddler groups.

FNT is grant aided by Foras na Gaeilge and the Office for the Minister of Children and Youth Affairs.