Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 19 May 2015
545. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht further to Parliamentary Question No. 518 of 28 April 2015, if she will bring forward proposals for increased funding of existing scholarships, and the introduction of new scholarships, for Gaeltacht language courses, in order that the targets in the Straitéis 20 Bliain don Ghaeilge 2010-2030 are met. [19343/15]
View answerUnder Scéim na bhFoghlaimeoirí Gaeilge (the Irish Language Learners Scheme), my Department provides grants to Gaeltacht households which accommodate students while attending Irish colleges in the Gaeltacht. My Department does not provide scholarships for students to attend Irish colleges in the Gaeltacht.
There are no plans at present to increase the grants paid to Gaeltacht households under Scéim na bhFoghlaimeoirí Gaeilge or to introduce a scholarship scheme for students to attend Irish colleges in the Gaeltacht.
As I indicated in my reply to Parliamentary Question No. 518 of 28 April 2015, I am aware that scholarships are provided from time to time by various Irish language, cultural and sports organisations, as well as by several local authorities. I am also aware that some of the Irish colleges themselves offer part scholarships.
