Teaching and Learning Irish in English-Medium Schools. Literature Review and Perspectives of National Stakeholders. Report 1:Towards an Action Plan for Irish in English-Medium Schools

This report has been prepared by SEALBHÚ, the DCU Research Centre for the Learning and Teaching of Irish, as part of a consultation process to support the development of an Action Plan for Irish in English-medium schools. It is the first of two reports commissioned by An tAonad Gaeilge um Scoileanna Meán-Bhéarla (AGSMB), Department of Education and Youth, in support of the development of an Action Plan for Irish in Englishmedium schools. The research for this report was informed by the three main principles that will guide the Action Plan for Irish, set out by the AGSMB: I. the importance of fostering a positive mind-set towards Irish, II. a commitment to increasing the use of Irish and, III. the integration of policies, actions, structures, and resources. The report is arranged in three main parts: ● Part A: Literature Review; this details high-level findings from previous research, theory and policy that are relevant to the current consultation. ● Part B: Findings from the Initial Stakeholder Event; this part details the main findings from the first consultation event, held in Croke Park in January 2025. ● Part C: Recommendations from Bi-/Multi-lateral meetings with Stakeholders; this part details the main recommendations expressed by stakeholders during a series of bi-/multi-lateral meetings held at the conclusion of the consultation in April/May 2025. The report should be read in consultation with the findings from Report 2 (Burke et al., 2025), which explores the perspectives of school-based stakeholders, i.e. children, young people, teachers, student teachers, principals and parents/guardians.