Irish Language

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 18 January 2023

Wednesday, 18 January 2023

Questions (982)

Pádraig O'Sullivan

Question:

982. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if the Little Baby Bundle which will be distributed to 500 new parents in February 2023 will contain literature which will help or encourage parents to speak Irish with their children; if he will ensure that there will be books/information sheets regarding the benefits of bilingualism for the child; if the bundles will contain information about the local naíonraí/gaelscoileanna in their local area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1308/23]

Written answers

Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth

The Little Baby Bundle pilot will include resources in Irish, and children's books to encourage parents to speak Irish with their children, or, to encourage parents without Irish to perhaps explore the language for the first time together with their baby.

Our advisory group, drawn from experts across many disciplines, have advised my Department to limit the number of booklets and information leaflets to key health messages identified by the HSE. Information will not be included on early learning and care services or school as the information included in the bundle will concentrate on supporting the first few months of the child's life. This will be reviewed as part of the pilot evaluation, and learnings will be used to inform any future national roll out.