Written Answers Nos. 532-554
532. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Health the current waiting list for the school-based oral health screening programme, by community healthcare organisation area, in each of the years 2021 to 2025 and to-date in 2026, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46751/26]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy as soon as possible.
533. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Health the number of whole-time equivalent dentists and dental staff employed in the public dental service, in each of the years 2021 to 2025 and to-date in 2026, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46752/26]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly.
534. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Health if her Department and the HSE could investigate and address the shortcomings in the treatment of an individual (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46756/26]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy as soon as possible.
535. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science whether Ukrainian students under temporary protection will be treated as EU or non-EU students for college places, fees and grants in the 2026/27 academic year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46476/26]
View answerThe tuition fee payable by a student can vary depending on a variety of factors including the type of course and the fee rates of a particular institution. There are typically two rates of fee, an ‘EU’ or ‘Non-EU’ (sometimes referred to as International) rate of fee, for each course. An individual institution’s criteria will usually include specified Nationality and/or Residency requirements that students are expected to meet in order to qualify for the institution’s EU rate of fee. Details of the EU fee eligibility criteria for an individual institution is typically listed on their respective websites, and the implementation of such policies are matters for the institutions themselves.
In relation to tuition fee supports for students, higher education students may be eligible for fee support, such as those available under the Free Fees Initiative or Student Grant Scheme. To qualify for funding, students must meet the criteria of the respective schemes including the stated nationality and residency requirements. Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection (BOTP) are eligible to meet the nationality criteria of the Free Fees Initiative and the Student Grant Scheme, however, they must meet all other criteria including participation on an approved course, residency, and progression.
Ukrainian Students who are Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection (BOTP), and in receipt of fee supports via the Free Fees Initiative or the Student Grant Scheme have been assessed as EU students.
Notwithstanding the above, as Universities are autonomous entities, it is ultimately their responsibility to determine the fee status of students.
Further information on the specific supports that will be available for Ukrainian students in the 2026/27 academic year are currently under review and will be made available in the coming weeks on Gov.ie.
536. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the rationale for the recent cancellation of Research Ireland doctoral and postdoctoral scholarship funding for future years; the measures being put in place to support PhD students who had intended to rely on such funding after commencing their studies; whether transitional arrangements will be introduced to protect those currently within a funding gap period (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46427/26]
View answer537. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the steps being taken to ensure that early-stage researchers are not placed in financially precarious positions as a result of changes to postgraduate funding policy; the extent to which alternative supports or funding streams will be made available (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46428/26]
View answer538. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his plans to ensure equitable allocation of research funding across all disciplines, including humanities and social sciences, in view of concerns that recent policy changes may disproportionately favour STEM fields (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46429/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 536, 537 and 538 together.
Taighde Éireann - Research Ireland provides stipends to approximately 3,000 of the almost 11,000 registered PhD students per year (approximately 700 new awards per year), with a further 1,000 funded from other public funders. The remaining students receive some level of institutional scholarship support from their host higher education institution with the assistance of core funding from the Higher Education Authority or are privately funded, either by the individual or an employer.
Taighde Éireann - Research Ireland published its five-year strategy in March 2026, which includes a commitment to increase the number of PhDs to 3,800 over the lifetime of the strategy, and to review the funding programmes of its predecessor agencies to ensure that they are delivering across all research disciplines – a key objective of the agency as set out in the Research and Innovation Act, 2024.
A Programme Plan of planned activity was published in April of this year, with details of available open funding calls updated on a regular basis on the agency website.
The current agency portfolio of programmes delivers regular access to research funding across all disciplines and career stages, including PhD students and postdoctoral researchers. Funding for PhDs and early career researchers is provided through three main mechanisms with funding split broadly equally between:-
1. Government of Ireland Programmes
2. Research Centres, new Rinn Network and Centres for Research Training
3. Individual Principal Investigator-led project funding
Over the past year, Taighde Éireann - Research Ireland has undertaken stakeholder consultation on the proposed evolution of Government of Ireland PhD scholarship and post-doctoral fellowship programmes, with ongoing engagement with stakeholders and representative groups. 20 consultation engagement sessions have taken place since February, including seven in-person AHSS specific sessions across the country, and two online webinars (with audience Q&A) reaching over 700 participants. Further consultations are scheduled.
Other calls funded or managed by the agency include:
• Public Service Fellowships – placing researchers in government departments and agencies (open to all disciplines).
• Challenge funding (open to all disciplines).
• International Calls.
• Research Ireland/ UKRI Arts and Humanities Research Council joint call on Creative Industries.
• Co-funded EU calls.
Taighde Éireann - Research Ireland is the National Contact Point for the Excellence pillar under Horizon Europe, providing a suite of supports to researchers considering applying for Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) and European Research Council (ERC) Funding across all disciplines.
Students at second or later years of their PhD will not be disadvantaged. The proposed new model would permit flexibility to recruit students for different durations, ensuring that students with incomplete funding for their ongoing studies can be included.
The agency is engaging closely with research offices in the Higher Education Institutions, and students are advised to contact their local research office, or to engage with the agency directly, to get up to date information on current and future funding calls under the published Programme Plan.
539. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science whether Ukrainian students who have completed Leaving Certificate or QQI/PLC courses in Ireland will be eligible for SUSI or other supports for third-level study in 2026/27; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46477/26]
View answerUkrainian students who are Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection under Section 60 of the International Protection Act 2015, (BOTP), and who have completed Leaving Certificate in 2026 or a QQI/ PLC Course in the 2025/26 academic year, may be eligible to apply to SUSI for financial supports when progressing to higher education in Ireland.
Students entering a new course whose initial Temporary Protection was granted more than three years prior to the start of the 2026/27 academic year may be assessed via existing schemes such as the Free Fees Scheme and/or the Student Grant Scheme which is administered by SUSI. Prospective students must meet the relevant eligibility criteria of those schemes to avail of supports.
As announced on gov.ie in May 2025, the Temporary Tuition Fee Support Scheme for Displaced Persons (Ukraine), the BOTP Stipend and the PLC Bursary Scheme will be closed for any applicant starting a new course in the 2026/27 academic year.
540. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to support a technology conference (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46556/26]
View answerI do not plan to attend Techfest 2026 at IIT Bombay, due to diary commitments.
541. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the first year and full year cost of hiring a full-time teacher for every local authority area to provide Irish classes free of charge to adults based on an academic year starting in September for education and training boards; the annual expenditure specifically on Irish medium higher education in each of the past ten years. [46577/26]
View answerIrish language provision is already widely available across the Further Education and Training (FET) sector. Education and Training Boards (ETBs) deliver a substantial number of free or heavily subsidised Irish language courses nationwide, ranging from beginner to advanced level, in accessible community and education settings. A list of the courses offered in 2025 is available in the attached table.
Funding for further education courses is not allocated on a local authority basis. The Department provides funding to SOLAS, which in turn allocates resources to ETBs based on regional and learner needs.
These classes are generally delivered by adult education tutors. Details of the relevant salary scales are set out in Circular 0007-2026.
Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) are autonomous and responsible for their own academic provision and associated costs. They are funded through a mix of State grants, fees, and other income streams, which support overall institutional activity rather than specific programmes.
The Department supports Irish language provision through core funding and targeted supports, including €900,000 annually to promote Irish among students and staff, and €1.766 million for Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge. Core funding is allocated by the HEA as a block grant, and institutions determine internal spending. As such, it is not possible to isolate specific expenditure on Irish-medium higher education.
A Sectoral Working Group on Tertiary Education Requirements for Irish Language in the Public Sector is being established with the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht and will meet shortly. The purpose of the group is to consider how the full range of tertiary education provision across higher education, further education and training, apprenticeship, upskilling, reskilling and lifelong learning can support the delivery of the National Plan for Irish Language Public Services, and in particular targets relating to increasing public sector competence in Irish.
542. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if the buildings and lands associated with St. Patrick's Carlow College have been valued; and if so, the estimated value. [46729/26]
View answerThe Deputy will I am sure be aware that an agreed framework has been put in place to ensure the continued educational use of the Carlow College campus following the conclusion of its current programmes. Aligned with an independent valuation, significant State funding will be provided to Carlow College in consideration of the acquisition of its campus by SETU.
This acquisition will be critically linked to providing resourcing for Carlow College to complete its teach out process, particularly in addressing matters such as redundancy for the staff and other associated costs.
On conclusion of the teach out in August 2028, Carlow College will transfer the land and buildings to SETU. This secures the site for future educational, research and community outreach purposes, safeguarding it as a key piece of educational infrastructure and preserving its long-standing educational legacy, while supporting future provision in the region.
A master plan for the Carlow College Campus will be published in the coming months subject to the development off this by SETU in consultation with the Department and the HEA.
A significant level of State funding will be provided to Carlow College in consideration of this transfer. The level of funding will be in line with an independent valuation of the site. This valuation, which is commercially sensitive, is informing the process and is under consideration.
The use of an independent valuation ensures that the approach taken is objective, robust, and consistent with appropriate governance and the responsible use of public funds. This funding will also support the orderly restructuring of Carlow College, including addressing matters of staffing and employment as the College winds down its academic activities over the next two years.
The campus will thereafter form part of SETU’s estate and will support its broad educational mission into the future, contributing to the continued enhancement and expansion of higher education infrastructure in the South East region.
543. Deputy Eoin Hayes asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht the plans that are in place in his Department to improve the funding and resourcing of community centres; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46268/26]
View answerMy Department’s Community Services Programme (CSP) currently supports 434 community-based organisations, including 84 organisations under the primary activity of Community Halls, Sports, and Resource Centres. The CSP Programme provides an annual co-funding contribution towards the employment of 55 manager positions and 331 FTE positions, with a total funding allocation of €36.772 million to these organisations over the Programme period i.e. 2023-2027.
On 30th March 2026, I announced an Open Call for Applications under the CSP Programme in line with a commitment made in the Programme for Government. The preliminary application window closed on 8th May. All applications received are currently going through an appraisal process, with the outcomes due to be notified to applicants by the end of July.
The Local Enhancement Programme (LEP) provides small capital grants to community and voluntary groups for the improvement/refurbishment of their facilities and/or the purchase of equipment. In general, support under the LEP Programme is available to, for example, Parish Halls, Community Centres, Local Development Associations, Social Clubs, Senior Citizen Groups, Men’s and Women’s Sheds.
The LEP is administered locally on behalf of my Department by Local Community Development Committees (LCDCs) across the country, with support from their local authority. Each LCDC is responsible for making decisions on the projects that are funded under the LEP Programme 2026. The 2026 programme is now closed for applications, and my Department is currently considering the potential for an LEP Programme for 2027.
Through the Community Centre Investment Fund (CCIF), my Department has allocated some €112 million for the enhancement and refurbishment of existing community centres and the construction of new centres. The latest round of funding under CCIF 2026 was launched on 26th March and will remain open for applications until 13th July.
Details of all funding schemes are available at gov.ie - www.gov.ie/en/department-of-rural-and-community-development-and-the-gaeltacht/services/available-funding-and-supports/ In addition, I would encourage all community and voluntary organisations to check my Department’s website at www.gov.ie/drcdg, and to engage with their LCDCs, LDCs and Public Participation Networks, to ensure they are aware of all existing funding opportunities.
544. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht the reason an organisation was excluded from funding in May 2026 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46450/26]
View answerMy Department operates a wide range of funding schemes aimed at ensuring all relevant organisations can access funding to support their work. I am fully committed to supporting a wide range of organisations, including the group referenced in the information supplied by the Deputy, in the valuable work they do.
My Department provides a range of supports which are available to individual community groups including the organisation referenced by the Deputy.
These supports include -
• The €7 million Local Enhancement Programme (LEP) 2026, the results of which I will be announcing shortly;
• The Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme 2024 - 2028; and
• The LEADER programme.
My Department has sought to encourage the growth of new models of community engagement, in particular with a focus on helping to address social isolation. This is not to the detriment of existing models or groups, but seeks to ensure a breadth of organisations exist so that there are opportunities for everybody to engage with their communities. The schemes operated by my Department are reviewed on a regular basis, and I will continue to ensure our schemes afford an opportunity for all relevant community groups to be supported, while also supporting new ways of promoting inclusion and participation in our communities.
I would urge all community organisations, including the organisation referenced by the Deputy, to check my Department’s website www.gov.ie/drcdg, and to engage with their Local Community Development Committees (LCDCs), Local Development Companies and Public Participation Networks (PPNs), to ensure they are aware of funding opportunities as they become available.
545. Deputy Pádraig Rice asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht if the target timelines for communicating decisions under the 2026-2029 scheme to support national organisations were met; if not, the reasons for the delay; the measures that will be taken to ensure that future funding decisions are communicated sufficiently in advance of funding commencement dates to allow organisations to undertake appropriate staffing, financial and service planning; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46531/26]
View answerThe Scheme to Support National Organisations (SSNO) provides multi-annual funding towards core costs of national, community and voluntary organisations delivering services and supports with a focus on one or more of the following: addressing poverty, social exclusion and promoting equality. The SSNO provides part funding for salary costs of a core member(s) of staff in the national organisation and non-salary costs that are directly attributable to the SSNO-funded post.
The Scheme is administered by Pobal on behalf of my Department. Allocations are provided based on a competitive application and assessment process. Under the current iteration, approximately €28 million is being provided to 82 national, community and voluntary organisations over the period of the scheme. Details of these allocations are available on my Department’s website at www.gov.ie/en/department-of-rural-and-community-development-and-the-gaeltacht/publications/ssno-funding-allocations/.
The next iteration of the SSNO will commence on the 1st July 2026. It has been a highly competitive process, with over 200 applications received.
The applications for the SSNO 2026-2029 are currently being considered and successful applicants will be notified of their funding allocations in the coming days. I understand organisations need to plan accordingly so it is my priority to have these results published as soon as possible.
546. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht the progress that has been made in relation to the setting up of a pilot scheme in south Kerry to address depopulation and the amalgamation of clubs (details supplied) not just in Kerry but throughout the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46550/26]
View answerI am aware of the report of the GAA National Demographic Committee published in December 2025, and I was happy to engage directly with the GAA on this issue as they were developing the report.
I acknowledge the challenges for the Association which the report outlines, and the importance of their clubs as focal points for communities all across the country. I welcome the fact that the GAA is committed to working within rural and urban communities and at national level to address these challenges, via their National Demographics Committee and their county demographics officers, and including through pilot projects.
The Government’s Our Rural Future policy adopts a whole-of-Government approach to rural development, with a wide range of measures aimed at ensuring that all rural areas are attractive places for people to live, learn, work and raise families.
Measures delivered under the policy have delivered improvements in key areas such as broadband provision, increased rural transport services, support for rural enterprise, and ongoing support for the agri-food sector.
My own department has seen significant funding increases in recent years across a range of capital investment schemes such as the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund, the Town and Village Renewal Scheme and the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme. This investment is delivering real impacts in rural communities all across the country.
The development of the new Our Rural Future policy will continue to provide a framework for continued investment in our rural communities over the coming years.
My department undertook an extensive programme of consultations to help shape the new policy, and many of the issues relating to attracting and retaining young people and their families in rural areas featured strongly. I was happy to see that the GAA also engaged proactively in the call for written submissions, and all such submissions received will feed into the development of the new policy.
As part of the development of the new iteration of Our Rural Future, I am continuing to engage with my ministerial colleagues to ensure that our ambition for rural Ireland is underpinned by a series of ambitious and practical actions.
547. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht to give a detailed progress report in regard to the Killorglin RRDF scheme; the reason for the delay on works to old Killorglin Courthouse (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46567/26]
View answerThe Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF) is a major capital investment programme, which seeks to support large-scale, ambitious projects that can achieve sustainable economic and social development in rural areas. It provides funding for the development and construction of capital projects in towns and villages in rural areas across Ireland. Funding is allocated to local authorities and other State-funded bodies, who take the lead role in individual projects.
Kerry County Council is the Lead Body for the two projects located in Killorglin which have received RRDF funding and which have together been allocated a total of over €1.71m.
In 2022, the Category 2 ‘Killorglin Town Centre Smart Rural Regeneration Project’ was allocated €961,800 under an RRDF Call for Proposals. Rather than funding construction costs, Category 2 funding is made available to support the costs associated with the planning phase required for any large scale project proposals. This can encompass for example, the costs associated the purchase of land and/or building or the costs associated with securing statutory consents including planning permission and preparing procurement documentation etc. In the case of Killorglin, the Category 2 project included funding to allow Kerry County Council to develop proposals to renovate the Killorglin Courthouse as well as the delivery of public realm improvements and natural amenities in the town. The Council has confirmed that the statutory process for the Public Realm phase of Killorglin Regeneration has been completed, with the detailed design for the works themselves nearing completion.
In relation to Killorglin Courthouse, work commenced in 2022 and planning approval under the Part 8 for the regeneration of the building was secured in January 2024. Following this, in 2024, Kerry County Council then applied for RRDF Category 1 funding which is made available to cover the construction costs of large regeneration projects. This application was successful and the Council was allocated further RRDF funding of €750,000.
The Council has confirmed that the planned works to Killorglin Courthouse have now progressed to construction tender stage. It has advised that tenders for works were returned by 3 March 2026. The Council has indicated that it is currently progressing through the tender assessment and awards stage and that, subject to a successful outcome to this process, it would anticipate that construction works could begin in Quarter 3.
548. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht the grant schemes or financial supports currently available to businesses who wish to erect or replace external signage using the Irish language; whether supports exist to encourage businesses outside Gaeltacht areas to promote the visibility of the Irish language through shopfront signage; the criteria and application process for any such schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46571/26]
View answerIn addition to the range of supports available from Údaras na Gaeltachta for Gaeltacht-based businesses, Foras na Gaeilge, through its ‘Gnó Means Business’ programme, delivers a wide range of initiatives to support the use of the Irish language in business and economic life, including the Business Support Scheme. Under this scheme, funding is available to support the development of signage, stationery, printed marketing material, internet sites and other branding material in the Irish language or bilingually;
The scheme is open to Small and Medium Sized Enterprises all over the island, including Gaeltacht areas. The scheme operates on a match funding basis up to 50% of the total costs of the work, and costs up to €3,000 / £2,700 can be claimed so long as these costs are not already being covered by a state support scheme. As part of the application process, Foras na Gaeilge provides technical assistance to applicants when required in relation to translation, proofing, and bilingual design.
Other supports available to businesses include:
• a Business Support Resource Pack: Under this scheme, there are 31 specialist business support resources available free of charge. As part of the support package, there is a choice of self-adhesive signs, badges, leaflets and other support resources to enhance the visibility of Irish in a business environment;
• Bilingual Packaging: A Guide for Best Business Practice is the second in a series of guidance ebooks published by Foras na Gaeilge for the business sector focusing on the principles of bilingualism in signage and packaging. The guidebook aims to recognise best practice in the use of Irish in packaging and to demonstrate to the business community that the language is a valuable resource that can be used to attract consumers to their products. This ebook, which is a joint venture between Foras na Gaeilge and TU Dublin, was launched in 2017 and is available to download from the Foras na Gaeilge website www.forasnagaeilge.ie.
• Q-Mharc Gnó le Gaeilge is a voluntary code and newly-developed quality system for the Business Sector which focuses on giving official recognition to best bilingual practice based on the International Standard ISO 9001:2008. Small and medium sized enterprises throughout the island of Ireland can apply for this award.
549. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht the annual capital expenditure for each of the past ten years on Irish language centres or centres (details supplied); and the estimated cost of recruiting an additional full-time language planning officer for every Gaeltacht language planning area, for every Irish language network, and for every Gaeltacht Service Town, in tabular form. [46575/26]
View answerFollowing the biggest ever increase for the Irish language and Gaeltacht in Budget 2026, an additional €2.3m was invested in the language planning process for 2026. This funding is intended to provide support for the delivery of initiatives and work programmes in Gaeltacht Language Planning Areas, Gaeltacht Service Towns and Irish Language Networks. The additional funding will enable the allocation of resources to schools, community organisations and training programmes that focus on developing and nurturing language capacity.
Currently, approval has been given by my Department for the employment of 48 Language Planning Officers (LPOs) in the 26 Language Planning Areas, 10 Gaeltacht Service Towns and 3 Irish Language Networks. Under this arrangement, the lead organisations are permitted to employ one or, in certain cases, more than one Language Planning Officers (LPOs).
A specific pay scale is in place for Language Planning Officers, as outlined below:
€36,450, €39,000, €41,550, €44,100, €46,650, €49,200, €51,750.
It should be noted that Language Planning Officers can start on any point between 1 and 4 on the scale depending on experience and qualifications. Five Language Planning Areas are approved to employ 2 Language Planning Officers to further support the implementation of their plans. These are:
• Gaoth Dobhair, Rann na Feirste, Anagaire & Loch an Iúir
• Cois Fharraige
• Conamara Láir
• Ciarraí Thiar
• Maigh Eo Thuaidh
In one exceptional case, the lead organisation in the Oileán Árainn Language Planning Area is approved to employ 3 Language Planning Officers - one on each island.
When every language plan has been approved and the Language Planning Process is fully underway there will be 52 Language Planning Officers employed in 47 distinct areas. If an additional Language planning officer were to be employed in each of the 47 areas, annually it would cost a minimum of €1,713,150 and a maximum of €2,432,250 depending on the point on the pay scale at which individual starts.
The table below outlines potential costs associated with employing an additional LPO in each of the approved and designated Gaeltacht areas currently operating:
|
Language Planning Areas |
1st point on payscale |
4th point on payscale |
|
Cloich Chionnaola, Gort an Choirce, An Fál Carrach & Machaire Rabhartaigh |
€36,450 |
€44,100 |
|
Ná Déise |
€36,450 |
€44,100 |
|
Ciarraí Theas |
€36,450 |
€44,100 |
|
Gaoth Dobhair, Rann na Feirste, Anagaire & Loch an Iúir |
€36,450 |
€44,100 |
|
Ciarraí Thiar |
€36,450 |
€44,100 |
|
Conamara Láir |
€36,450 |
€44,100 |
|
An Cheathrú Rua |
€36,450 |
€44,100 |
|
Maigh Eo Thuaidh |
€36,450 |
€44,100 |
|
Ráth Chairn & Baile Ghib |
€36,450 |
€44,100 |
|
Árainn Mhór |
€36,450 |
€44,100 |
|
Múscraí |
€36,450 |
€44,100 |
|
Tuaisceart Dhún na nGall |
€36,450 |
€44,100 |
|
Dúiche Sheoigheach & Tuar Mhic Éadaigh |
€36,450 |
€44,100 |
|
Ceantar na nOileán |
€36,450 |
€44,100 |
|
Dún na nGall Theas |
€36,450 |
€44,100 |
|
Cois Fharraige |
€36,450 |
€44,100 |
|
Maigh Cuilinn |
€36,450 |
€44,100 |
|
Na Rosa |
€36,450 |
€44,100 |
|
Toraigh |
€36,450 |
€44,100 |
|
Cléire |
€36,450 |
€44,100 |
|
Bearna & Cnoc na Cathrach |
€36,450 |
€44,100 |
|
Oirthear Chathair na Gaillimhe |
€36,450 |
€44,100 |
|
An tEachréidh |
€36,450 |
€44,100 |
|
An Ghaeltacht Láir |
€36,450 |
€44,100 |
|
Maigh Eo Thiar |
€36,450 |
€44,100 |
|
Oileáin Árann |
€36,450 |
€44,100 |
|
Total |
€947,700 |
€1,146,600 |
|
Gaeltacht Service Towns |
|
|
|
Leitir Ceanainn |
€36,450 |
€44,100 |
|
Cathair na Gaillimhe |
€36,450 |
€44,100 |
|
Caisleán an Bharraigh |
€36,450 |
€44,100 |
|
Dún Garbhán |
€36,450 |
€44,100 |
|
Cathair Saidhbhín |
€36,450 |
€44,100 |
|
Trá Lí |
€36,450 |
€44,100 |
|
An Clochán |
€36,450 |
€44,100 |
|
Baile an Róba |
€36,450 |
€44,100 |
|
An Clochán Liath |
€36,450 |
€44,100 |
|
Daingean Uí Chúis |
€36,450 |
€44,100 |
|
Total |
€364,500 |
€441,000 |
|
Irish Language Networks |
|
|
|
Inis |
€36,450 |
€44,100 |
|
Baile Locha Riach |
€36,450 |
€44,100 |
|
Cluain Dolcáin |
€36,450 |
€44,100 |
|
Total |
€109,350 |
€132,300 |
|
Grand Total |
€1,421,550 |
€1,719,900 |
Language Plans have yet to be approved for the following Gaeltacht Service Towns:
|
Gaeltacht Service Towns |
|
|
Cathair Chorcaí |
|
|
Baile Dhún na nGall |
|
|
Béal an Mhuirthead |
|
|
Maigh Chromtha |
|
|
Baile Átha Buí |
|
|
An Uaimh |
|
My Department also administers the Irish Language Support Schemes for the development of Irish language and cultural centres outside the Gaeltacht.
The purpose of the capital assistance provided under this scheme is to strengthen the Irish language as a community and family language in line with the objectives of the 20 Year Strategy for the Irish Language 2010-2030. This fund is aimed at constructing and renovating buildings for use as Irish language centres and funding is also available to purchase equipment for such centres.
Applications are accepted from community-based organisations and funding of up to 80% (95% for preschool Projects) of eligible costs may be awarded depending on the case. Capital costs as well as professional costs (i.e. engineering/architectural advice) may be included for grant purposes.
Expenditure under this scheme for Ionaid Gaeilge is set out Below:
|
Year |
Amount € |
|
2026 |
€331,343 |
|
2025 |
€1,181,345 |
|
2024 |
€75728 |
|
2023 |
€38,639 |
|
2022 |
€138,657 |
|
2021 |
€38,236 |
|
2020 |
€730,938 |
|
2019 |
€23,290 |
|
2018 |
€0 |
|
2017 |
€0 |
|
2016 |
€59,000 |
550. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht the total number of children between ages three and 18 living in the Gaeltacht who speak Irish daily outside the education system, who attend an Irish medium school, or who are being raised through Irish. [46649/26]
View answerThe statistics referred to by the Deputy are available from the Central Statistics Office should the Deputy require further information regarding data on daily Irish speakers outside the education system, who attend an Irish medium school or those raised through Irish.
551. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht the total number of children for whom payments under the Irish speakers scheme were made each year for the last ten years of its existence. [46650/26]
View answerScéim Labhairt na Gaeilge (Irish Language Speaking Scheme) was one of the Gaeltacht schemes that was previously administered by my Department. The aim of the Scheme was to encourage people living in Gaeltacht areas to speak Irish at home and in the community in general.
Scéim Labhairt na Gaeilge was established in 1935 and, by the time the scheme ended in 2011, a grant of €260 per school year was paid to Irish-speaking families in the Gaeltacht.
Below is a table showing the number of households who received payments under Scéim Labhairt na Gaeilge in the Gaeltacht between the years 2001 and 2011 which was the last ten years of its existence.
|
Year |
Total Households who received the full grant |
Total Households who received the reduced grant |
|
2001/2002 |
2201 |
984 |
|
2002/2003 |
2233 |
925 |
|
2003/2004 |
2216 |
915 |
|
2004/2005 |
2289 |
996 |
|
2005/2006 |
2345 |
964 |
|
2006/2007 |
2309 |
1010 |
|
2007/2008 |
2202 |
913 |
|
2008/2009 |
2364 |
598 |
|
2009/2010 |
2348 |
456 |
|
2010/2011 |
2322 |
438 |
|
Iomlán |
22829 |
8199 |
552. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht the rate paid under the Irish learners scheme per child for Gaeltacht host families/mná tí in each of the past ten years; and the number of recipients each year, in tabular form. [46651/26]
View answerMy Department does not hold the statistics data requested on an excel format dating back 10 years. However, it can provide data since 2020.
The below table illustrates my Department’s daily rates per student payable since 2020 to recognised Gaeltacht households providing accommodation for students attending Irish summer colleges under Scéim na bhFoghlaimeoirí Gaeilge (SFG):
|
SFG rate |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
2024 |
2025 |
2026 |
|
Ordinary courses(Aicme A,B,C & D) |
€10* |
€10* |
€11/€12 |
€12 |
€13 |
€14.50 |
€16 |
|
Residential Colleges |
€5* |
€5* |
€6/€7 |
€7 |
€9.50 |
€10.50 |
€12 |
|
Árainn Gaeltachta Scheme |
€27 |
€27 |
€30/€33 |
€33 |
€34 |
€35.50 |
€37 |
|
ERASMUS Gaeltachta |
€17 |
€17 |
€19/€21 |
€21 |
€22 |
€23.50 |
€25 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The table below illustrates the number of recognised Gaeltacht households providing accommodation for students attending Irish summer colleges under Scéim na bhFoghlaimeoirí Gaeilge(SFG):
|
Gaeltacht host families |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
2024 |
2025 |
2026 |
|
|
COVID-19 |
COVID-19 |
495 |
511 |
522 |
533 |
*figures not available until end of year |
*Irish summer colleges were closed in 2020 and 2021 due to COVID-19
553. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht the number of students receiving scholarships to attend a Gaeltacht summer college at each rate of partial and full scholarship; the associated cost in each of the past ten years; and the estimated cost of increasing the full scholarship rate to match the average fee for attending a course at colleges currently covered by the scheme, in tabular form. [46652/26]
View answerMy Department funds the DEIS Gaeltacht scholarship scheme, an initiative under Scéim na bhFoghlaimeoirí Gaeilge. This scheme was first established in 2019 when €50,000 was made available to provide DEIS post-primary students with the opportunity to attend an Irish language course in one the Irish summer colleges recognised by my Department
Additional funding has been allocated to this initiative since its establishment bringing the total funding available for the scheme to €900,000 annually since 2025. Under the additional fund, over 900 students per year from DEIS post-primary schools across the country are able to benefit from Irish language learning courses in the Gaeltacht. The initiative is administered on behalf of the Department by the Galway and Roscommon Education and Training Board (GRETB) as has been the case since 2019.
The scholarship for a three-week course provided under the fund is worth up to €950 or 85% of the total course fee, whichever is lesser, while a scholarship valued at €820 or 85% of the course fee, whichever is lesser, is provided for a two-week course.
The table below provides further information in relation to the uptake of the scholarship scheme.
As the Department does not retain the statistics required to calculate the cost estimates requested by the Deputy, it will not be in a position to provide same.
|
DEIS Gaeltacht Scheme |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
2024 |
2025 |
|
No. of students |
50 |
0 |
0 |
422 |
430 |
431 |
931 |
|
Expenditure |
€37,951 |
COVID-19 closure |
COVID- 19 closure |
€328,026 |
€321,056 |
€385,960.50 |
€900,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Figures in respect of 2026 are not yet available.
The Department is aware that there are other scholarship schemes in operation by sporting organisations for example and other bodies. However, my Department has no oversight of other scholarships and, therefore, would not have any information in relation to their uptake.
554. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht the estimated cost of doubling the funding provided through Foras na Gaeilge to the Irish language network development scheme, including the specific funding increase that would be required from the administrations in Dublin and at Stormont. [46653/26]
View answerForas na Gaeilge has allocated €1,676,857 to the Irish Language Network Development Scheme, Scéim Forbartha Líonraí Gaeilge, for 2026.
The Government of Ireland provides 75% of the Foras na Gaeilge budget annually, with the remaining 25% coming from the Northern Ireland Executive, in accordance with the funding ratios agreed when the North-South Language Body was established. The cost of doubling the allocation for the scheme would be split as follows:
75%: €1,257,643
25%: €419,214
