Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 19 November 2025
380. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht if he can provide details of the regulations governing Gael Coláistí, specifically, the procedures for making a complaint in the situation where parents are unhappy about the treatment of their children; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [64257/25]
View answerAs I understand it, the Deputy's question relates to Coláistí Gaeilge, or Irish language colleges in the context of my department's Scéim na bhFoghlaimeoirí Gaeilge or the Irish Language Learners Scheme. This scheme exists in order to foster language acquisition and enrichment opportunities in the Gaeltacht outside of the post-primary education system for learners of the language. Under the scheme, my Department provides a subsidy payable to qualifying Gaeltacht households who provide accommodation for those attending an Irish course in any one of the c. 40 Irish language colleges operating under the scheme.
The Irish colleges' sector is essentially commercial in nature which differentiates it from the state education system. In light of this, any complaints regarding the manner in which a college operates should be referred to the Directors of the college concerned.
A copy of my Department's regulations governing the operation of Scéim na bhFoghlaimeoirí Gaeilge can be obtained at the following link: www.gov.ie/ga/an-roinn-forbartha-tuaithe-agus-pobail-agus-gaeltachta/foilseachain/earn%C3%A1il-na-gcol%C3%A1ist%C3%AD-gaeilge-2/.
