2024 GAE   1         Bunú Ról Oifigeach Gaeilge **

Grúpa Oibre na Gaeilge / Gaeilge Working Group

Luann an Chomhdháil: Go bhfuil sé de dhualgas ar an Leas-Uachtarán don Ghaeilge an Ghaeilge a chur chun cinn, agus go mbeadh an Ghaeilge níos lárnaí i saol na hOllscoile do gach mac léinn.

Comhdháil Notes: The responsibility of the Leas-Uachtarán don Ghaeilge is to promote Irish, and that Irish will be more central in University life for students.

Tugann an Chomhdháil faoi deara freisin: Níl ach beirt Leas-Uachtarán le Gaeilge Lánaimseartha lasmuigh d’Aontas na Mac Léinn in Éirinn; Comhaltas na Mac Léinn Ollscoil na Gaillimhe ó 2022 agus Aontas na Mac Léinn, Coláiste na Tríonóide, Baile Átha Cliath ó 2024. Léiríonn an bheirt seo go bhfuil suim ag mic léinn sa Ghaeilge.

Comhdháil Notes: There are only 2 other full-time Leas-Uachtarán’s don Ghaeilge outside of the Union of Students in Ireland; Comhaltas na Mac Léinn, Ollscoil na Gaillimhe from 2022 and Trinity College Dublin Students’ Union from 2024. These 2 show that there is an interest in Irish.

Mar sin, ordaíonn an Chomhdháil: Go bhfuil sé de dhualgas ar Leas-Uachtarán Aontas na Mac Léinn in Éirinn oibriú le MOs nach bhfuil oifigigh Ghaeilge lán-aimseartha acu chun ról an Leas-Uachtarán don Ghaeilge a bhunú, agus do na MOs nach bhfuil oifigeach Gaeilge ar bith acu Oifigeach Ghaeilge a bhunú.

Therefore, Comhdháil mandates: That it is the responsibility of the Leas-Uachtarán don Ghaeilge to work with MOs that don’t have a full time Irish language officer to develop a full time role, and for MOs that don’t currently have an Irish Language Officer to develop an Irish Language Officer’s role.

2024 GAE   2         Providing Irish Language Lessons for Student Union Officers **

Leas Uachtarán don Ghaeilge

 Comhdháil Notes:

The Irish language is an integral part of Ireland’s cultural heritage and national identity. Promoting the use and appreciation of the Irish language is essential for preserving and celebrating Ireland’s linguistic diversity.

 Comhdháil further notes:

Student Union officers play a crucial role in representing and advocating for the interests of all students, including those who speak Irish as their first language or wish to engage with the union throughout Irish. Equipping student union officers with proficiency in the Irish language will enhance their ability to communicate effectively with Irish-speaking students, understand their needs, and promote inclusivity within the student body.

 Comdháil believes:

Offering Irish language lessons to student union officers demonstrates a commitment to linguistic diversity, cultural awareness, and the promotion of bilingualism in higher education institutions.

Comhdháil Mandates:

The Leas Uachtarán don Ghaeilge to research into getting Irish Language Classes for members of the Coiste Gnó who wish to avail of them and to share information about language classes with Member Organisations.

Comhdháil further mandates:

The Leas Uachtarán don Ghaeilge to work with the Coiste Gnó and local Unions to research into getting Irish Language classes in their college/region for those who wish avail of them.

2024 GAE   3         Recognition of Irish Language Proficiency

Leas Uachtarán don Ghaeilge

 Comhdháil notes:

Proficiency in the Irish language is an asset that enhances individuals’ employability, academic credentials, and professional opportunities.

 Comhdháil further notes:

The Teastas Eorpach na Gaeilge (TEG) (European Certificate in Irish) and other equivalent qualifications serve as internationally recognized certifications of Irish language proficiency.

Comhdháil mandates:

The Leas Uachtarán don Ghaeilge to lobby the relevant authorities, such as the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to acknowledge and value the importance of Irish language proficiency by considering it as a valuable asset in academic evaluations through official certifications and qualifications, such as the Teastas Eorpach na Gaeilge (TEG) (European Certificate in Irish) or equivalent qualifications and to invest in initiatives aimed at promoting the use of the Teastas Eorpach na Gaeilge (TEG) (European Certificate in Irish) or equivalent qualifications within third-level assessments.

 Comdháil further mandates:

The Leas Uachtarán don Ghaeilge to work with the NUS-USI President to look at the further expansion of Teastas Eorpach na Gaeilge (TEG) (European Certificate in Irish) exams to the NUS-USI region.