About Us

I couldn’t praise An Foras Pátrúnachta enough, they’re always there to support us

Póla Ní Chinnsealaigh, Principal, Gaelscoil Ruairí

Who are we?

An Foras Pátrúnachta is the largest patron of Irish-medium schools in Ireland at both primary and secondary level. There are 80 schools under our patronage. An Foras Pátrúnachta is a patron of Irish- medium schools that have a choice of a Catholic, Multi-denominational, Intra-denominational and Interdenominational (Catholic / Protestant) ethos. We are also a recognised management body in education. We aim to grow the number of Irish-medium schools so that any parent who would choose Irish-medium education can access it.

An Foras Pátrúnachta was founded in 1993 so that new Gaelscoileanna opening in the coming years would have another choice with regard to patronage. The vision of An Foras Pátrúnachta is to develop, strengthen and promote education through the medium of Irish throughout the country.

An Foras Pátrúnachta is recognized by the Department of Education and Science as a patronage system which is acceptable and appropriate for first and second level schools.

 

  • Our Philosophy document can be read here.
  • Our Recruitment Policy can be readhere.
  • Our Conflict of Interest Policy (GA) can be read here.
  • Tá Cód Iompair d’Iontaobhaithe (Stiúrthóirí) An Foras Pátrúnachta ar fáil anseo.

The key responsibilities of the patron:

  • To defend the ethos of schools
  • Appointment and support of the board of management
  • Financial, legal matters, insurance and health and safety regulations
  • Work as party to issues of accommodation, sites, property and leases of schools under its patronage
  • The appointment of staff in accordance with DES regulations
  • As a patron, manager and educational organization, the mission of An Foras focuses on the development of the provision of Irish Medium Education with a choice of religious ethos.

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Board of Directors

Séamus Ó Ceanainn
Chairperson

Julian de Spáinn
Treasurer

Anita Amhlaoidh
General Member

Colm Ó Tuathaláin
General Member

Fiona Nic Fhionnlaoich
General Member

Lorcán Mac Gabhann
General Member

Pádraig Ó Duibhir
General Member

Seán Ó Láimhín
General Member

Séamus Caomhánach
General Member

Tim Ó Tuachaigh
General Member

Staff Members

Caoimhín Ó hEaghra
General Secretary
caoimhin@foras.ie | 01-629 4110

Cormac McCashin
Support Manager
cormac@foras.ie | 01-215 0191

Tomás Ó Póil
Training Manager
tomas@foras.ie | 01-215 0190

Siobhán Ní Dhúill
Buildings Manager
siobhan@foras.ie | 086-803 2226

Jill McMahon
Communications Manager
jill@foras.ie | 083-093 2977

Sorcha Ní Mhistéil
Reconfiguration & School Ethos Officer
sorcha@foras.ie | 086-859 6292