Responsible for promoting the Irish language internally and for overseeing the provision of the organisation’s services through the medium of Irish.
Work Environment
This occupation is typically found in the following Career Sector(s):
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- Irish Language Promotion Officer- from: Youtube Search
Working Life
Irish language officers are employed in local authorities, government departments and public bodies such as the ESB, the HSE, and third level institutions.
They are responsible for promoting the Irish language internally and overseeing the provision of the organisation’s services through the medium of Irish.
The Irish language officer co-ordinates the translation of online and printed documents, and organises language classes and cultural events.
It is important to be enthusiastic and passionate about the language for this job as it plays a vital role in the development of the Irish language.
Tasks include:
- Maintenance / development of language courses for the organisation's tutors, learners / students, service providers
- Management of organisation’s translation projects
- Manage the maintenance of the organisations’s Irish website content
- Research /translation of organisational publications
- Advertising and promotional activities
Qualities - Irish Language Promotion Officer
People in this role are required to have a strong passion for the Irish language and a commitment to the promotion of it.
The following are important when looking for a job with Irish language skills:
- Strong (written and oral) Irish and English language skills
- Organisational skills
- ICT skills
- Interpersonal skills
- An ability to work on your own initiative
- A keen interest in the Irish language
- A knowledge of Irish language organisations
Interests - Irish Language Promotion Officer
This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:
Linguistic
The Linguistic's interests are usually focused on ideas and information exchange. They tend to like reading a lot, and enjoy discussion about what has been said. Some will want to write about their own ideas and may follow a path towards journalism, story writing or editing. Others will develop skills in other languages, perhaps finding work as a translator or interpreter. Most Linguistic types will enjoy the opportunity to teach or instruct people in a topic they are interested in.
Enterprising
Enterprising people like situations that involve using resources for personal or corporate economic gain. Such people may have an opportunistic frame of mind, and are drawn to commerce, trade and making deals. Some pursue sales and marketing occupations. Many will eventually end up owning their own business, or in management roles in larger organisations. They tend to be very goal-oriented and work best when focused on a target. Some have an entrepreneurial inclination.
Administrative
Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.
They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.
Entry / Progression - Irish Language Promotion Officer
A Degree in modern Irish is the typical entry route to this job role and personal involvement in Irish language/cultural activities.
Sample Education and Training Pathways
A number of courses are available throughout the country that focus on learning and skills that may be useful for this career. The examples and links below may guide you in your research.
Further Education (FET)
Further Education & Training (FET) Courses are delivered by local ETBs, ranging in duration from several weeks up to 20 months. Courses are designed to meet the labour market needs and often include a large element of work experience.
Example search terms include: business admin, customer service, facilitation, groupwork, management.
Search for FET Courses
PLC Courses (FET)
PLC courses are full-time courses, one or two years duration, with awards at Level 5 and 6 on the NFQ. They are offered nationally in Schools and Colleges of Further Education.
Example search terms include: business management, sales, marketing, community development, cultural and heritage studies.
Search for PLC Courses
Higher Education CAO (Undergraduate)
Higher Education courses at Levels 6 to 8 on the NFQ, delivered in Universities and Technological Universities & Institutes. Courses run from 2 – 5 years and places are allocated on a points-based system, processed by the Central Application Office.
Example search terms include: arts and Irish, humanities and Irish, na dana, cumarsaid na gaelige, Irish broad casting, business and Irish, education and Irish.
You can use our 'le gaelige' filter on Search CAO course to filter for Course including Irish.
Search for CAO Courses
Professional environment & Opportunities
Since the introduction of the Official Languages Act 2003, careers opportunities requiring Irish language skills can be found with a wide range of organisations local authorities, community arts organisations, event management, multimedia, and galleries among others.
Local authorities employ Irish language development/promotion officers who collaborate with local arts and language organisations in their locality.
This Language promotion role is also found in third level colleges, Technical Universities, student unions; government departments; County Councils; Garda Síochána; political parties; the HSE; and in community groups and co-operatives throughout the Gaeltacht areas of Ireland University Vacancies, Publicjobs.ie, Activelink.
- Gael Linn and Conradh na Gaeilge provide a wide variety of educational and cultural services throughout the country.
- Glór na nGael awards prizes to local committees who promote the Irish language.
- Comhdháil N áisiúnta na Gaeilge is an umbrella group representing many Irish language not - for - profit organisations.
- Foras na Gaeilge is the national, cross - border funding body for Irish language promotion and development and funds the employment of Irish language officer s in local communities north and south.
- Pobal and Comhaltas Uladh promote the language and events in Northern Ireland. As the remit of many of the language - promotion organisations is quite broad, they employ people from a wide range of disciplines such as marketing, education, finance, event management, publishing and public relations.
Pay & Salary - Irish Language Promotion Officer
Salary Range (thousands per year)* €28k - €51k
Salaries vary depending on employer, location, experience, and duties.
Data Source(s):
Local Government / Forsa/ Indeed
Last Updated: July, 2024
Labour Market Updates - Irish Language Promotion Officer
Note: The following information relates to occupations that include: Administrative assistants and officers (national and local government); officers of non-governmental organisations (e.g. administrators (charitable organisation); organisers (trade union); trade union officials.
This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).
The changes in classification as a result of the introduction of the new Labour Force Survey in 2017 are partly responsible for the strong employment growth rate for this occupation, although employment also grew strongly between 2019 and 2020, and continued to grow in 2022. Those employed are primarily female (69%), working full-time (90%), and over half (55%) held third-level qualifications. With a higher than average share of persons employed aged 55 years and older (31% compared to 19% for all occupations), replacement demand is likely to result in opportunities opening up for these roles even if employment growth slows.
There was a significant number of vacancies advertised online for clerical officer roles across the civil service and Government administration roles. However, recent job hires for 2022 far exceeded employment growth indicating that job churn is a feature of this occupation. While job openings are set to continue, upskilling and reskilling may also be required for those already employed in these occupations in order to reach targets set out in the Civil Service Renewal Plan 2024 in areas such as in digital skills.
Useful Contacts - Irish Language Promotion Officer
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Gael Linn
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Gaelport.com
- Comhdháil Náisiúnta na Gaeilge, 46 Sráid Chill Dara, Baile Átha Cliath 2
- (01) 6794780
- [email protected]
- Click Here
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Conradh na Gaeilge
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Glór na nGael
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Foras na Gaeilge
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Udaras na Gaeltachta
