Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 1 Jul 2003

Vol. 570 No. 2

Written Answers. - Irish Summer Colleges.

Seán Ryan

Ceist:

549 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs his views on the press release from the national congress of Catholic Secondary Schools Parents Association which highlights their concerns in respect of students taking part in the school for Irish language courses in the Gaeltacht; if the health and safety standard requirements are implemented in all cases; if he has satisfied himself that the necessary inspections on all of the houses involved in the scheme are carried out on an annual basis; and if the necessary resources will be made available to enable a fire safety officer to carry out this important element of this work in interest of the safety of the children. [18447/03]

Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs (Éamon Ó Cuív):

I was disappointed by the press release referred to by the Deputy. I consider that it did not accurately represent the general experience of students attending Irish summer colleges in the Gaeltacht, which is very positive, enjoyable and stimulating.

There are clear rules and procedures in place regarding standards of accommodation approved by my Department under scéim na bhfoghlaimeoirí Gaeilge and regarding the care of students staying in such accommodation. Any household seeking approval from my Department under the scheme is inspected by an official from my Department, who seeks to ensure that the accommodation is suitable in every way.

Accommodation and safety requirements include: a minimum of 300 cubic feet per person in every bedroom, a bed for each individual student, and suitable storage and other accommodation amenities for each student; and minimum requirements that must be met for washing and hygiene facilities.

Prior to approving a household under the scheme, the Garda Síochána are approached by my Department. The fire safety authorities are notified each year of the houses keeping students and the number of students in each house. In this context, the provisions of the Fire Services Act 1981 also apply to each household.

Checks are made on approved houses by my Department, usually while the courses are in progress. If the required standards are not being met, the house in question is removed from the approved list.

The Irish summer colleges themselves, which are approved by the Department of Education and Science, are responsible for the actual recruitment of the students. The college authorities co-operate with my Department in ensuring that the accommodation provided for students is satisfactory and they carry out visits to the houses where the students are staying.

My Department imposes a cap on the number of students approved per house. In the first year for a house participating in the scheme the cap is 12. The maximum permitted in any house subsequent to that is 16. A limited number of houses, which have been in the scheme for many years are permitted to keep in excess of this number, but subject to the rules outlined above.

It is generally accepted that students are safe and well cared for in Gaeltacht houses participating in this scheme. However, if any complaints are made they are immediately and thoroughly investigated. My Department receives at most ten complaints a year. In contrast, the level of calls to my Department from people who are very satisfied with their experiences far exceeds this number. Up to 25,000 students attend these Gaeltacht courses each year. This figure has been consistently high for several years. Hundreds of thousands of students have attended the Gaeltacht summer colleges over the years and for 99% of these the experience was enjoyable and enriching.

I am disappointed the Catholic Secondary School Parents Association did not contact me with its concerns before releasing a statement that could cause unwarranted concern to parents who have decided to send their children to the Gaeltacht.