DCUSU to go as Gaeilge with Irish officer

DCU’s Students’ Union is to join the ranks of other leading Irish universities by electing an Irish language officer (Oifigeach Gaeilge) to sit on the Students’ Union.

As the only university in the Republic without an elected Irish Officer, it is a move that many feel is long overdue.

DCU offers several courses through the medium of Irish, including journalism and business undergraduate programmes.

It is hoped that when elected, the Irish Officer will help to raise awareness of Irish language facilities available both on and off campus for DCU students.

The officer will also help to create links between the different clubs and societies within DCU to help promote the Irish language.

One particular facility that is hoped to be brought to the forefront in DCU is the Scéim Conaithe [dwelling scheme]. The basic premise of this scheme is that students moving into campus accommodation that have an interest in the Irish language and wish to live in a receptive environment are housed together, creating a mini Gaeltacht within the campus.

Similar schemes exist in DIT, UCD and Trinity and all have been very successful.

The head of DCU Cumann Gaelach, Sean O’Curraighin, is very positive about the proposed move to elect the officer.

Speaking to the College View, he said: “I believe that it’s a step in the right direction. We are the only university in the Republic that does not have an Irish Officer at present in their SU.

“The Union Council were in strong support of the motion at the meeting [last week]. I think everyone can agree that this has not happened before its time.

“There can be no real negatives to be taken from the decision to elect an Oifigeach as it can only help the Gaeilge on campus,” he added.

The officer was not elected by the time the College View went to print, but it had been expected that the position would be filled after yesterday’s (Wednesday’s) meeting of Union Council. It will be an unpaid, part-time position and any member of the student body can run for the position.

While the first officer elected will only hold the position till the end of this semester, it is hoped that they will help shape the role and establish terms of reference as there has not been an Irish Officer on the students’ council since the 2002-2003 period.

SU president Niall McClave is also thoroughly behind the move for an increased Irish language presence around campus. “It’s a very positive step for the union to do this.

“The university itself doesn’t even have an Irish officer so we’re slightly ahead of them in that respect. I particularly think DCU needs more bilingual signs around campus and more bilingual activity,” he added.