Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 12 October 2021
146. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the way that her Department proposes to promote the use of the Irish language through the development of a network of Irish language and cultural centres under the revised National Development Plan 2021-2030; and the timeframe for this proposal. [49271/21]
View answerAs the Deputy is no doubt already aware, a firm commitment was made in the Programme for Government that a network of Irish Language and Cultural Centres, promoting a community-based approach in the promotion of the Irish Language, would be developed in Dublin and on a nationwide basis.
This commitment builds on commitments made in the past in relation to Irish Language and Cultural Centres under the 5-Year Plan for the Irish Language 2018-2022 and under the National Development Plan 2018-2027.
On a practical level, my Department gives specific supports for the development of Irish Language and Cultural Centres through its Irish Language Support Schemes, the budget allocation for which is €2m this year.
Community-based language organisations based outside the Gaeltacht may make an application under this funding programme. Funding can be provided to assist with the costs associated with refurbishing existing Irish language centres, for the development of new builds and for the purchase of equipment for such centres.
The purpose of the capital assistance that is provided under this fund is the strengthening of Irish as a community and family language in accordance with the objectives of The Gaeltacht Act 2012 and the 20 Year Strategy for the Irish Language 2010-2030.
Further information on the scheme can be found on my Department's website here.
