The Minister for Education Norma Foley today announced the appointment of Cathnia Ó Muircheartaigh as the Chairperson designate of An Chomhairle um Oideachas Gaeltachta agus Gaelscolaíochta (COGG) for a four-year term until 28 February 2027, following a Public Appointment Service process. COGG advises the Minister for Education on policies relating to the provision and promotion of education through the medium of Irish, the planning and provision of Irish text books and learning aids and conducting research on strategies to enhance the effectiveness of the teaching and learning of Irish.

Minster Foley said:
“I am delighted to announce the appointment of Cathnia Ó Muircheartaigh as the Chairperson designate of COGG. Cathnia has a wealth of experience to bring to the role and I am confident that he will steer the work of COGG expertly over the next four years." The Minister thanked the outgoing Chair of COGG Dónal ÓhAiniféin for his dedication and commitment to the work of COGG over a long number of years.

NOTES:


The Board of COGG comprises 12 members, who are nominated by a range of representative bodies. COGG was established under Section 31 of the Education Act 1998, which outlines that the object of the board shall be:

g) to plan and co-ordinate the provision of textbooks and aids to learning and teaching through Irish

h) to advise the Minister on policies relating to the provision and promotion of education through the medium of Irish in recognised schools generally and in schools located in a Gaeltacht area

i) to provide support services for those schools through the medium of Irish

j) to conduct research into any or all matters to which this paragraph applies

k) to plan and co-ordinate the provision of textbooks and aids to learning and teaching of Irish and to conduct research into and to advise the Minister on strategies which have as their objective the enhancement of the effectiveness in the teaching of Irish in recognised schools and centres for education

COGG shall also from time to time as it considers appropriate, advise the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment on matters relating to:

iv) the teaching of Irish

v) the provision of education through the medium of Irish, including matters relating to the curriculum for primary and post primary schools which provide education through the medium of Irish and assessment procedures employed in those schools and

vi) the educational needs of people living in a Gaeltacht area

The Board is responsible for directing COGG’s activities, providing strategic guidance to the executive team and monitoring the effectiveness of management.

The role of the Chairperson is to:

• lead the board of COGG


• lead on performance management – for COGG overall, for the CEO and for the board of COGG


• lead on compliance– by effective internal and external audit arrangements and full compliance with all key regulatory and reporting requirements


• maintain good governance


• determine the COGG board agenda


• ensure that the CEO provides the board of COGG with sufficient information to support decision-making


• ensure the board is effective and facilitating full participation by each member of the board

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