Maybe this is wishful thinking, but does anybody know of any openings in the voluntary sector where one can become involved in the promotion etc. of the Irish language?
I know that voluntary tution is available for english language skills and numeracy through VEC's etc. Is there anything at all for the Irish language volunteer?
le meas

This is a very good idea. The idea of a bank of effective people who are ready and willing to teach Irish language skills on a voluntary (or even paid) basis to those who want them is, I believe, the way to go.

The one thing that would worry me though is just how big is the demand for such help. I have some experience of teaching Irish to adults and what I find is that the demand for such classes never seems to be as great as we are sometimes given to understand. Also the willingness of people to continue on a long term basis with the business of learning Irish is weak. Their are many reasons for this. People have great demands on their time and also the quality of the classes may not always be what it should be.

Of course this situation could be changed radically if there were a lot more people available to teach Irish at all levels. Classes could happen more often and at times that could be tailored to individual learners own demands.

Another area that could be looked at is the idea of providing extra tuition to school children who are weak at Irish especially those who come from backgrounds whose parents won't or can't afford to provide such help. As you have stated the VECs provide such help in the field of English.

On the idea of voluntary work in the realm of Irish generally, Conradh na Gaeilge HQ in Dublin would be a good first point of contact.

Again a great idea.

Thanks for your kind comments Joe.
I too have felt for a long time that this is the way to go, and I have to report that I have learned so much from this site in the short few months that I have been a member.
I agree with your general comments on teaching Irish to adults. I have seen, and still see, a lot of frustration at conversational Irish classes.
If you are of an inquisitive nature and like to know where many of our words come from, then sites like this are fulfilling that need, for me at least. I have asked questions and received enlightening replies on Ciocíos, Meitheamh, Tough but Fair,to mention but a few.

This has helped me to look at words more closely and to investigate their origins, making it easier for me to make connections between words.
I have to say that it has motivated me greatly to help others of my acquaintance to improve their knowledge of Irish.
No insult or disrespect intended to anybody, but the quality of instruction, and oft times the commitment of students,to the task at hand is often poor. As Joe said, people do have other commitments on their time.
Many of the people that seek help from VEC's etc do so so that they can help out their kids/grandchildren with their homework. Wouldn't it be great if such a service was also available to teaching Irish.
As a member of the GAA I have to agree with the general comments of late about that organisations commitment to the Irish language. Pretty poor I have to say.

Phew, i'd better get some lunch!

Conradh na Gaeilge (http://www.cnag.ie) would be the first port of Call, DMD.

Thanks Aonghus, Joe. I have made contact with C na G and I think I can move forward from here.
By the way theres some great tutoring/teaching/learning material available from Breacadh, Casla, Co. na Gaillimhe for anyone who would like to check it out. Some of the material is available in both Connacht and Munster dialects.
When I bought my material recently there was a 40% discount for orders of €50 and over!

R-phost:
Guthán: 091-506951
Loads more info on line!

DMD