Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 May 2026
1514. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht the supports for families who wish to raise their children as native Irish speakers from birth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40140/26]
View answerUnder my Department’s Irish Language Support Schemes, significant funding is provided for various initiatives to help families outside the Gaeltacht raise their children as native Irish speakers from birth. This is done through organisations including Glór na nGael, Gaeloideachas and Gael Linn. These organisations receive funding from and my Department and Foras na Gaeilge for strategic initiatives to promote the use of the language, including:
Glór na nGael: the Teanga Tí scheme promoting the use of Irish at home, and Fondúireacht Seosaimh Mhic Dhonnchadha for GAA clubs;
Teanga Tí focuses on providing supports to Irish speaking families at home throughout the country. The aim of the scheme is to:
• support families raising children through Irish,
• create Irish-speaking family networks,
• and organise Irish-language events and activities.
• Irish-medium events are provided for families outside the school gates and networks are created between them.
• 2026 funding: €322,244 (combined with Fondúireacht Seosaimh Mhic Dhonnchadha)
• Gaeloideachas: My department provides funding to develop the early years Irish sector; 2026 funding: €138,945
• Gael Linn: the Gaelbhratach Scheme for schools, which fosters the empowerment of primary and secondary school students to promote the use of the language in their school community; 2026 funding: €849,555.
