Sinn Féin has tabled a motion calling on Ireland to stop failing its children by recognising their right to learn Irish and study through Irish.

This motion builds on the party’s policy on Irish in Education – ‘more than just the way it’s taught’ – which was published last year.

On Newstalk Breakfast, Sinn Féin spokesperson for Gaeilge, Gaeltacht and the Arts, Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD said there is a huge lack of Gaelscoileanna and Gaelcholáistí in Ireland.

“There's a huge amount of children who can't progress from primary school to secondary school, in particular, but there's also quite a lot who can't even get to primary school because there isn't a school in their vicinity,” he said.

“So for instance, there is 50,000 at primary school at the moment, that's about 8% of the population - there's only 17,000 at second level - that's a huge drop off."

Sad schoolgirl looks at a book while sitting in class. Image: Roman Lacheev / Alamy. 21 June 2020

Deputy Ó Snodaigh said it’s a “huge deal” for children to be going from Gaelscoileanna to English speaking secondary schools.

“It's not just being basically bilingual, it's kind of adding to their ability to speak Irish, it's adding to their joy of it and in mixing with other kids,” he said.

“Learning subjects through Irish is very, very difficult in many ways, to switch from one language to another.

“I had to switch to English when I went to university - that was the first time I did any subject through English other than English itself and it does take its toll on you.

“The texts weren't available, the aides in university weren't available - it's the same in primary school and secondary school as Gaeilge, they do not have the same access to school books and texts and even the buildings that they're in aren't fit for purpose in many cases."

Bandon Grammar School pupils prepare to start their exam. Credit: AG News/Alamy Live News

Deputy Ó Snodaigh said there is an attitude by the State that Irish language immersion schools are secondary or second class.

“There is a huge lack of teachers, but the State hasn't done anything to address that lack over the years,” he said.

“It's not something just because of the current situation, it has always been the case that the State has always been brought kicking and screaming to the board in terms of Gaelscoileanna.

“Every single new Gaelscoileanna or Gaelcholáistí has had to have a fight to get it delivered.

“It's the same with the resources - the fact that you have 11 counties that don't have a stand-alone secondary school means there's a problem.”

An empty classroom, Alamy

Deputy Ó Snodaigh said we need to ensure there are enough teachers being trained.

“We need to ensure that there's enough teachers being trained, that the teaching allowance is brought back to encourage teachers to teach to teach through Irish, to ensure that there's enough teachers in Gaelscoileanna but Gaelcholáistí in particular, where there’s a major drop off,” he said.

“We should be incentivising teachers, yes, we need to address the fact that there isn't any colleges in some parts of the country, and that would make it easier for those children in those areas, so they wouldn't have to travel long distances.

“There's 11 counties without a Gaelcholáiste so that needs to be addressed.

“That means that one of the particular issues with teachers is often around urban areas, big cities kind of where it's too costly for teachers to live, whereas if you spread out the schools, then it might make it easier.”

Deputy Ó Snodaigh said he would support a teaching allowance but not just for Dublin.

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Sinn Féin's Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD, attends the funeral service of veteran republican Rose Dugdale, at the Crematorium Chapel in Glasnevin, Dublin. Picture date: Wednesday March 27, 2024. Image: Alamy