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Gaeltacht Policy

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 13 May 2021

Thursday, 13 May 2021

Questions (235)

Noel Grealish

Question:

235. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media her plans to support Irish summer colleges, mná and fir tí given Gaeltacht courses will not go ahead for summer 2021; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25379/21]

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Written answers

On Friday last, I announced the outcome of the extensive consultation process undertaken with the Irish Language Summer Colleges sector over the past few weeks.

During the consultation process, a representative group of Gaeltacht households who provide accommodation for students, as well as course operators expressed significant concerns around health and safety, due to COVID-19, were courses to proceed.

On foot of the feedback received and the concerns expressed, a decision has been taken not to proceed with recognised Irish courses this summer.

I understand that this will be disappointing for many young people who were looking forward to attending this year.

I am also conscious of the economic consequences of the decision for Gaeltacht communities. For this reason, officials from my Department will continue to engage with the sector over the coming weeks with a view to progressing an appropriate stabilisation package, thus ensuring that the sector is put on a sound footing for a full and safe return in 2022 and beyond.

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