12 December, 2005 - Minister Hanafin publishes University College Galway (Amendment) Bill 2005

The Minister for Education and Science Mary Hanafin T.D. has published the University College Galway (Amendment) Bill 2005 following its approval at Government.

The purpose of the Bill is to amend section 3 of the University College Galway Act, 1929 to provide that the Governing Authority of the National University of Ireland Galway (NUIG) must ensure that each strategic development plan of the University contains an aim for the delivery of education at the University through the medium of Irish and the President and the Governing Authority of the University are obliged to ensure that this aim is implemented.

The Government noted that NUIG’s scheme for the promotion of the Irish Language as required under Section 11 of the Official Languages Act 2003 was approved from 1 September 2005, and that this in itself provides a suitable framework for the promotion of Irish.  However, in recognition of the unique position of NUIG in the promotion of the Irish language, the Government also considers it appropriate to require the Governing Authority to ensure that each 5 year Strategic Plan of the University, prepared in accordance with the provisions of the Universities Act, 1997, makes specific provision for the delivery of education through Irish.

The Government is confident that these measures will provide an appropriate balance between the continuation of NUIG’s role in the promotion of the Irish language and the need to ensure that NUIG can fulfil the role which higher education institutions are required to play in the realisation of national economic and social development. 

ENDS

Download the University College Galway (Amendment) Bill, 2005