GEMMA BROLLY: Level Playing Field Required for Irish Medium Sector, Cautious Welcome of Assembly Education Committee Meeting

Aontú Representative for Bann, Gemma Brolly has welcomed with caution, the recent meeting of Comhairle na Gaelscolaíochta with the Assembly Education Committee where some of the main challenges facing the Irish Medium sector were discussed.

Rep Brolly:

“As both a parent and a teacher within the Irish Medium sector, I completely concur with the challenges and concerns which Ciaran Mac Giolla Bhéin and Tarlach Mac Giolla Bhríde brought forward. While some progress has been made regarding the efforts to fulfil the statutory duty to encourage and facilitate the Irish Medium sector, it must be noted as it was in an ETI Report in 1999, in a Department of Education Report in 2008 and most recently in 'A Fair Start';: Department of Education have a legal imperative to facilitate and encourage the Irish Medium sector and must "provide additional and focused support for the Irish Medium sector.”

“While it is extremely heartening to have our concerns considered, I would greatly encourage all parties and governmental bodies to work pro-actively and immediately to fulfil their legal obligation and facilitate our children and staff within the rapidly growing Irish Medium sector with the equally supported education they deserve.”

“Aontú will continue to work actively in demanding a level playing field for Irish Medium Education, addressing the urgent need for additional resources, improved accommodation, development of Special Educational Needs resources and development and adaptation of policy frameworks and action plans. We will work tirelessly and relentlessly to ensure Irish Medium Education is facilitated, supported and encouraged in line with the legal and moral obligation to provide a fair and equitable education system.”

The Irish political system is radically broken

In Ireland the vast majority of elected representatives put a finger in the air to check which way the political wind is blowing. They have one eye on their leaders – seeking brownie points – and another eye keeping their seat safe. If elected reps shut up and do as they’re told, they are promoted; if they stand up for what they believe in, they are demoted. No wonder we have the political class we have. No wonder one point one billion euro is being buried in a hole under the National Children’s Hospital and that Stormont is in stalemate.

Throughout Ireland, many people are now afraid to say what they feel, many are afraid to respectfully engage on a range of different topics. Many feel there is a new censorship and a new political correctness in Ireland, that opposition to the establishment is being deleted.

Respectful opposition is not the enemy. Respectful opposition is a critical element of a functional democracy. Aontú will have the backbone to stand up, without fear, for you.