Spring 2026 award recipients recognised as Ireland strengthens Irish-language capability across public services 

Nearly 450 public and civil servants have achieved accredited professional Irish-language qualifications in Spring 2026 following training with Gaelchultúr, which works in partnership with the Institute of Public Administration (IPA), as efforts continue to strengthen Irish language capabilities across Ireland’s public services. 

Their achievements were recognised at a national awards ceremony at The Gresham Hotel, Dublin, on Monday, 21 September, attended by approximately 70 of the award recipients. 

Organised by Gaelchultúr in partnership with Gréasán Gaeilge na hEarnála Poiblí, with support from the Government of Ireland, the ceremony celebrated learners at every level of ability. The majority of those honoured received Teastas Eorpach na Gaeilge (TEG) certificates, ranging from A1 for beginners through to C1 for advanced speakers, awarded following Gaelchultúr’s Course in Professional Irish, delivered in partnership with the IPA. The ceremony also recognised those who achieved nationally recognised qualifications through Gaelchultúr’s Certificate in Professional Irish (Levels 2–6) on the National Framework of Qualifications. 

The ceremony was hosted by broadcaster Sinéad Ní Uallacháin and featured addresses from Darren Ó Rodaigh, CEO of Gaelchultúr; Máire Bríd Ní Ghionnáin, Gréasán Gaeilge na hEarnála Poiblí’s Project Manager and Chair of the Committee on the Irish Language, Gaeltacht and the Irish-speaking Community, Shane Moynihan TD. The event also featured a live podcast discussion on the role of Irish in Europe, hosted by Cúán de Búrca and Cían Mac Coisteala. 

The awards come at a time of renewed focus on strengthening Irish-language capability across the Public Service. The Government’s Action Plan for Irish Language Public Services 2026-2028, the first action plan supporting the National Plan for Irish Language Public Services 2024-2030, includes Training, Recruitment and Language Competence as one of its five strategic themes. Measures include developing appropriate Irish-language learning pathways for civil and public servants, increasing IPA capacity, encouraging public bodies to offer Irish-language training proactively, and supporting the target that 20% of recruits to public sector bodies will be competent in Irish by the end of 2030. 

The partnership with the IPA also reflects the direction of its 2026–2030 Strategy, Learning for Tomorrow - Empowering Ireland’s Future-Ready Public Service, which places learning at the heart of strengthening capability, leadership and delivery across the public service. 

Speaking at the ceremony, Darren Ó Rodaigh, CEO of Gaelchultúr, said: 

“Today we celebrate the commitment of every learner receiving a nationally recognised Irish-language qualification. Each of these awards is a real step towards Irish becoming a more visible and more widely used working language across our public services. 

  At Gaelchultúr, we are incredibly proud to support public sector professionals on their Irish-language learning journey, and to see the continued enthusiasm for developing the skills and confidence to use Irish in the workplace.” 

Máire Bríd Ní Ghionnáin, Project Manager, Gréasán Gaeilge na hEarnála Poiblí, said: 

“Gréasán Gaeilge na hEarnála Poiblí are delighted to support this event and to recognise the achievements of those who have undertaken Irish-language courses through Gaelchultúr, An Foras Riaracháin and TEG. Their commitment to developing their language skills is an important contribution to the continued strengthening of Irish-language capacity across the public service. Thank you to Sinéad Ní Uallacháin for hosting the award ceremony. 

  We were also pleased to provide a platform for discussion on the role of Irish in Europe. The live podcast hosted by Cúán de Búrca and Cían Mac Coisteala offered a valuable opportunity to consider the importance of multilingualism and the contribution of Irish as an official working language of the European Union.” 

Ciara Mac Namara, Director of Digital Learning at the Institute of Public Administration, said: 

“Empowering Ireland’s future-ready Public Service is at the heart of the IPA’s strategy, and Irish language skills are an important part of that. The Government’s Action Plan sets out a clear ambition to strengthen Irish-language competence and create structured learning pathways for public servants. Through our partnership with Gaelchultúr, we are helping colleagues develop the confidence and practical skills to use Irish in their working lives. Today is an opportunity to recognise that commitment and the progress being made across the Public Service.” 

Chair of the Committee on the Irish Language, Gaeltacht and the Irish-speaking Community, Shane Moynihan TD, added:

“As Chair of the Oireachtas Committee on the Irish Language, I am delighted to support Gréasán Gaeilge na hEarnála Poiblí and to recognise the commitment of everyone receiving a certificate following the completion of their Irish-language courses. Building confidence and creating opportunities to use Irish on a daily basis in the workplace are essential if we are serious about strengthening the place of the language across our public services.

With more than 3,500 people now registered with Gréasán Gaeilge, it is wonderful to see such enthusiasm for the Irish language across the public sector, as well as the growing momentum to strengthen its use.”

The ceremony recognised the growing commitment of public and civil servants to developing their Irish-language skills and highlighted the role that structured, accredited learning can play in increasing the practical use of Irish across public services.