Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 28 April 2021
68. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if Gaeltacht summer colleges and other youth summer camps will be permitted to go ahead in summer 2021; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21965/21]
View answerIn the context of the Department’s role of supporting the Irish Language Summer Colleges sector and in order to provide clarity insofar as possible on the general COVID-19 safety measures required on the part of key players in the sector, my Department published draft COVID-19 Guidelines for the sector last week.
The guidelines are primarily aimed at the directors of the Irish Colleges and the qualifying Gaeltacht households who provide accommodation to students attending any of the 40 or so recognised Gaeltacht colleges.
These guidelines are subject at all times to change on foot of emerging circumstances, regulations and overall public health advice. The guidance is, therefore, a live draft document.
I have held a series of online meetings with representatives of the households that provide accommodation to the students and a meeting was also held with the representative body of the Gaeltacht summer colleges, CONCOS, in order to hear their views and suggestions on the draft guidelines.
I am very grateful to all those who participated in the consultation process. It was important for me, as Minister of State and for my officials, to hear directly from stakeholders about their concerns and it was clear that public health remains the primary concern of all.
It remains to be seen whether the Irish Language Summer Colleges will be able to proceed this year due to the ever-changing COVID-19 situation and my Department continues to monitor developments in order to be able to make a final decision at an early date and in consultation with stakeholders.
With regard to summer camps in the Gaeltacht, I am delighted personally, and of course for the Gaeltacht community, that out-door summer camps are likely to go ahead this year – with understandable restrictions in place in the interest of public health. My Department’s Summer Camp Scheme provides an excellent opportunity for young people in the Gaeltacht to take part in enjoyable events together each summer in an environment in which Irish is spoken – which is of benefit to both the youth and to the Irish language. We all understand the unique challenges facing young people at present as a result of the pandemic and, as such, it is very important that the summer camp organisers follow the additional guidelines which are in place this year due to COVID-19.
The safety of the participants and staff is always of the utmost importance to my Department and, as such, will be monitored on an ongoing basis in the context of changing public health advice.
