Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 10 October 2017
259. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht her views on developing a facility for those who wish to learn Irish at their own level, independently of a class; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42970/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department provides funding towards the following initiatives which are aimed at learning the Irish language:
Abair.ie
The ABAIR project, based in Trinity College, Dublin, is developing linguistic and speech technology resources for the Irish language. It has produced an online Irish language text-to-speech synthesiser which is freely available at: www.abair.ie and which can be used in a learning setting.
VIFAX don Ghaeilge
VIFAX is an Irish language audiovisual learning resource based on TG4 news bulletins and produced weekly throughout the academic year by the Language Centre, Maynooth University. These exercises are based on sport, politics, language, community, technology, business and environment, among other topics. While these exercises are suitable for the classroom at secondary and higher levels, self-directed learners will also find VIFAX useful.
On-line Course in the Irish Language and Irish Traditional Culture
Under development by Dublin City University, this Massive Open Online Course, MOOC, is an online degree programme that will focus on the learning of the Irish language ab initio and on Irish traditional culture. It is expected to launch this programme early in 2018.
In addition, Foras na Gaeilge, an agency of the North/South Language Body, which is co-funded by my Department and the Department for Communities in Northern Ireland, promotes the Irish language on an all-island basis. In carrying out its legislative mandate, Foras na Gaeilge provides support, advice and financial assistance to many groups who promote the language, including for the provision of courses and activities to help people improve or learn the language. For example, Foras na Gaeilge funds Scéim Pobal Gaeilge 2016-2020, which comprises a network of community-based Irish language development officers who engage directly with communities in order to develop the language at local level. Further information about the work of Foras na Gaeilge is available on its website: www.forasnagaeilge.ie.
