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  • Archibald announces research to strengthen opportunities for Irish Medium vocational learners

    Date published: 23 February 2026

    Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald has announced a new research project into Irish Medium vocational pathways.

    A graphic with some images depicting the work of the Department for the Economy with the words 'Latest News'

    Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald has announced a new research project into Irish Medium vocational pathways.

    The Department’s Skills Action Plan committed to take forward research into barriers faced by Irish Medium vocational learners.

    Speaking about the research, the Minister said: 

    “We must support Irish-Medium learners and the ambition to ensure equitable access to skills and vocational pathways.

    “This research will contribute towards the vision of an inclusive skills ecosystem.  It will help my department better understand the challenges facing Irish Medium learners in accessing the skills they need for good jobs.”

    The Project Lead, Professor Noel Purdy OBE, Director of Research and Scholarship at Stranmillis University College said:  

    “I am delighted that this important and timely project is now underway. I am confident that it will help build a clearer evidence base for supporting Irish-Medium learners in accessing vocational pathways.

    “We look forward to engaging with key stakeholders across the sector and especially with young people themselves, whose voices will be central to shaping the study’s insights and recommendations.”

    Notes to editors:

    1. The Department may take photographs and videos at announcements and events to publicise its work. Photographs, interviews, videos or other recordings may be issued to media organisations for publicity purposes or used in promotional material, including in publications, newspapers, magazines, other print media, on television, radio and electronic media (including social media and the internet). Photographs and videos will also be stored on the Department’s internal records management system. The Department will keep the photographs and recordings for no longer than is necessary for the purposes for which they have been obtained. The Department’s Privacy Policy is available on our website.
    2. For media enquiries contact the Department for the Economy Press Office at pressoffice@economy-ni.gov.uk 
    3. The Executive Information Service operates an out of hours service for media enquiries only between 1800hrs and 0800hrs Monday to Friday and at weekends and public holidays. The duty press officer can be contacted on 028 9037 8110.
    4. To keep up to date with news from the Department for the Economy you can follow us on the following social media channels:
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