Inclusivity and diversity in the teaching profession is incredibly important if we are to have a more inclusive society. It is important to have teachers in the classroom that are representative of the children they teach.

At the moment there are different programs in place that are trying to encourage teachers from different ethnic backgrounds into the teaching profession.

The problem is that there is a barrier that is making access to the teaching profession even more difficult for some people.

That barrier is the Irish language requirement.

The Irish language is a beautiful and dynamic language that I am currently learning myself. I am enjoying learning the language and think it has an important place in Irish society in order to preserve our culture and heritage.

The problem is that not everyone has had the same access and opportunity to learn our beautiful language. People who were not allowed to learn Irish in school, people who come to Ireland and make Ireland their home amongst others.

I decided to write this petition because its important that everyone have access to the opportunity to become a teacher and I think that deferring the Irish language requirement until after you are qualified (within a specific time period) would allow more people to access the teaching profession.

There is currently a precedent for this deferment where teachers who qualify outside of the state are allowed an amount of time to meet the requirements and still teach.

If this petition gains enough support it might be taken seriously

Thank you for reading.