Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 1 June 2023
115. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his plans to expand the list of courses that are taught through the Irish language; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26712/23]
View answerThe Higher Education Authority Act, which was enacted in October 2022, requires that higher education institutions promote the Irish language. As autonomous bodies, each higher education institution is responsible for its Irish language strategy, including the expansion and teaching of university courses through the Irish language.
The Department distributes recurrent funding to the Higher Education Authority for disbursement directly to designated higher education institutions through a block grant. The internal allocation of this funding, including expenditure on Irish-language education initiatives, falls to the individual institution.
My Department sponsors the Conradh na Gaeilge initiative, ‘Gníomhaí Gaeilge’ which is run in conjunction with the Union of Students of Ireland. It offers Irish language clubs and societies with skills and mentorship in developing the use of the language within Higher Education.
Under the auspices of the Minister and Department for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport, and Media, there is a goal to ensure improved public services through the Irish language. This is done through the Act's provisions and regulations that apply to all public bodies under the Act.
Ultimately, however, Higher Education Institutions (HEI) are autonomous, and determine themselves which Irish-language courses will be offered. While my Department will continue to be committed to the implementation of the Official Languages Act, it is not within my remit to direct a HEI as to the courses they offer.
