Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 June 2021
262. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the engagement she has had with the Minister for Health given the current lifting of Covid-19 restrictions to ensure that the Gaeltacht summer colleges will be able to fully operate in 2021; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25115/21]
View answerThe Deputy will be aware that I recently announced the outcome of the extensive consultation process undertaken with the Irish Language Summer Colleges sector over the previous 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 was 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 are continuing to engage with the sector over the coming weeks to tailor insofar as possible, suitable stabilisation measures with a view to ensuring the sector is on a sound footing for a full and safe return in 2022.
