Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 28 April 2021
373. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media her plans for Gaeltacht courses for summer 2021; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22002/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra395. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the level of engagement of her Department has had with Gaeltacht summer colleges; the work that has been undertaken to maintain and preserve the continued operations of this sector; the actions proposed to maximise support for promoting Gaeilge and the Gaeltacht communities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22046/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 373 and 395 together.
In the context of the Department’s role in supporting the Irish Language Summer Colleges' sector and in order to provide clarity insofar as possible in the current circumstance regarding the general COVID-19 safety measures required on the part of key players in the sector, my Department published draft COVID-19 Guidelines for the sector last week.
The guidelines are primarily aimed at the directors of the Irish Colleges and the qualifying Gaeltacht households who provide accommodation to students attending any of the 40 or so accredited Gaeltacht colleges.
These guidelines are subject at all times to change on foot of emerging circumstances, regulations and overall public health advice. The guidance is, therefore, a live draft document.
I have held a series of online meetings with representatives of the households that provide accommodation to the students and a meeting was also held by my officials with the representative body of the Gaeltacht summer colleges, CONCOS, in order to hear their views and suggestions on the draft guidelines. The discussions also served to inform both me and my officials as to whether it would be possible or prudent to seek to organise courses in the current and anticipated circumstances.
I am very grateful to all those who participated in the consultation process. It was an important and useful exercise to hear directly from key stakeholders about their shared concerns.
It remains to be seen whether the Irish Language Summer Colleges will be able to proceed this year due to the ever-changing COVID-19 situation and my Department continues to monitor developments with a view to making a final decision at an early date in consultation with stakeholders and in the best interests of all concerned.
