Cormac Devlin
Question:923. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to report on a case (details supplied). [68735/26]
View answerEducation and Training Provision
Questions (923)
Written answers
I can confirm that following a visit in January 2026 by the SOLAS Capital team to the facility referred to by the Deputy, the relevant ETB were requested to outline the long-term plan for the location in the context of the full ETB estate. A feasibility study for the area has recently been submitted to SOLAS, and an initial review of the study has been undertaken by the SOLAS Capital Team.
I understand that formal engagement between SOLAS and the ETB is scheduled for early next month. This engagement will consider the most appropriate capital funding route, including potential applications under the Health and Safety or Minor Works programmes with a view to progressing priority works required to bring the building up to the required standard.
Further and Higher Education
Questions (924)
Malcolm Byrne
Question:924. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science in light of closer links between the European Union and Canada, if he would consider the development of a student and teacher exchange programme between Ireland and Canada, involving Irish schools and youth groups; and if he would encourage such a development as part of the Erasmus programme. [68532/26]
View answerWritten answers
My Department welcomes recent discussions between the EU and Canada regarding the potential for a future partnership through the Erasmus+ Programme.
I recognise the value of international exchange opportunities in fostering educational, cultural and research links between countries, including between Ireland and Canada.
Ireland has sought to promote closer EU-Canada relations during our Presidency of the Council of the European Union.
A number of programmes supported by my Department currently facilitate mobility, research collaboration and academic exchange between the two countries and while limited Erasmus+ mobility opportunities involving Canada exist in Higher Education and Vocational Education and Training, no equivalent Erasmus+ mechanism currently exists for School Education, Adult Education or Youth Exchanges with Canada.
Under the Erasmus+ programme, funding is allocated directly by the European Commission to the Higher Education Institutions, which then have discretion to administer these funds in line with the programme rules and their own internationalisation priorities. In practice, the majority of Erasmus+ funding supports mobility within Europe under the core programme while a smaller number of student and staff higher education mobilities outside the EU are covered by Key Action KA171.
While an international (“global mobility”) dimension does exist, it is comparatively limited, and institutions must prioritise how best to deploy these funds. As a result, not all destinations or exchanges will necessarily be supported for Erasmus+ funding in a given year.
I look forward however to the strengthening of the EU-Canada relationship, based on a long history of close cooperation and shared values.
Grant Payments
Questions (925)
Claire Kerrane
Question:925. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science in relation to the SUSI Special Rate Maintenance Grant, if he will consider some flexibility, based on individual circumstance rather than a rigid income cut off, even allowing some lee-way on appeal depending on circumstances to better support people in education, especially where they live at home and their parents have modest pensions which put them over the income threshold, noting that in the North of Ireland and England there are taper elements to maintenance supports; and if he will consider some limited discretion or a taper process. [68881/26]
View answerWritten answers
The main support available to students is the statutory based Student Grant Scheme which is administered by SUSI. Under the terms of the Student Grant Scheme, grant assistance is awarded to students attending an approved course in an approved institution who meet the prescribed conditions of funding, including those relating to nationality, residency, previous academic attainment and means.
The decision on eligibility for a student grant is a matter, in the first instance, for SUSI to determine.
In general for student grants purposes, students are categorised according to their circumstances either as students dependent on parents or a legal guardian, or as independent mature students.
A student may be assessed as an independent mature student if he or she has attained the age of 23 on the 1st of January of the year of first entry to an approved course or of re-entry following a break in studies of at least three years and is not ordinarily resident with his/her parents from the previous October. Otherwise, he or she would continue to be assessed on the basis of parental income.
The Student Grant Scheme is a national scheme, and its means test arrangements are designed to ensure that applications are assessed consistently and equitably across the State. The means test takes into consideration the income of the applicant and his/her parents/legal guardian or spouse as appropriate. Further information regarding class of applicant (independent or dependent) and the types of documentation accepted as evidence of living independently from parents is available from SUSI’s website: []www.susi.ie/.
It is important to note that Article 22 of the Student Grant Scheme 2025 sets out for the awarding authority the determination of reckonable income. Reckonable income shall be determined by the awarding authority on the basis of information supplied in the application form and other relevant information and documentary evidence supplied. In calculating reckonable income, the awarding authority shall consider income from all sources. For the purposes of determining the reckonable income of an applicant, certain payments known for the purposes of this Scheme as “income disregards”, are not included in calculating reckonable income. These payments include a number of Social Welfare and other support payments.
I am conscious of reducing the cost of education for students. Successive Budgets have enhanced student supports, including higher maintenance grants and increased income thresholds. Budget 2026 increased the Special Rate income threshold from €27,400 to €28,600 in line with Social Welfare increases and increased the €500 Student Contribution Grant threshold from €115,000 to €120,000, permanently reduced the student contribution charge by €500.
I remain committed to introducing equitable, sustainable, fair and affordable measures to support students. I published this year’s Annual Options Paper on reducing the cost of education on 8th September 2026. It sets out various measures and options to enhance student supports including options on further increasing income thresholds. This paper will help inform decision-making head of Budget 2027.
My Department reviews policy on an ongoing basis, having regard to overall resource constraints and other competing demands in the further and higher education sector. Amendments or extension to the student grant legislation has financial implications and are considered in the context of overall budgetary constraints and the large number of competing demands on available funding.
Question No. 926 answered with Question No. 903.
Rural Schemes
Questions (927)
Cathal Crowe
Question:927. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht if he will consider including an area of Clare (details supplied) in the next CLÁR programme expansion; if it was assessed for inclusion during the recent review; what criteria would need to be met for the area to be considered for approval in the next review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [68040/26]
View answerWritten answers
The CLÁR programme provides funding under a number of measures for small-scale infrastructure projects in designated rural areas. Last year, the programme approved over €14 million for 238 projects, including funding for community facilities and amenities, community vehicles, and specific support for island communities.
The 2026 CLÁR programme was launched on 10th March with an increased 2026 allocation of €12m. In line with a commitment in the Programme for Government, a comprehensive review of eligible CLÁR areas was completed in advance of launching the 2026 scheme. On completion of the review, an additional 110 electoral divisions (EDs) were included as newly eligible areas, including 3 areas in Clare. This has resulted in almost 48% of the population of Co. Clare living in a CLÁR designated area.
The All-Island Research Observatory at Maynooth University conducted the review using two nationally recognised datasets based on Census 2022 results. The Pobal HP Deprivation Index identified areas experiencing socio-economic disadvantage. In parallel, the Central Statistics Office (CSO) Urban and Rural Life in Ireland classification was applied to distinguish areas by their degree of remoteness and relative exposure to urban influence, with particular emphasis on geographical areas identified as 'highly rural and remote'.
The review considered all EDs that were not currently designated for CLÁR, including the one referred to by the Deputy. Only EDs with evidence of local areas classified as disadvantaged, very disadvantaged, or extremely disadvantaged under the Pobal HP Deprivation Index were deemed eligible. Similarly, within the CSO Urban and Rural Life in Ireland classification, only EDs with evidence of local areas classified as highly rural/remote were included in the selection process. An ED was required to meet both criteria in order to be designated as a new CLÁR area. This approach provided a transparent, robust methodology aligned with the aims of the CLÁR programme.
Full details are available in the report attached at this link: Review of CLÁR Designations, 2026 https://assets.gov.ie/static/documents/15223a83/CL%C3%81R_Programme_Expansion_-_Report_AIRO_20022026.pdf
I have no plans at this time to review the areas again.
Irish Language
Questions (928)
Michael Cahill
Question:928. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht the level of additional funding he plans to seek for the Irish language and Gaeltacht sector in Budget 2027; the measures being considered to support the implementation of the Government's language objectives and An Plean Fáis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [67999/26]
View answerWritten answers
The Deputy will be aware that the 2027 financial allocations for each Government department, including my own, will be agreed as part of the Estimates Process, negotiations in respect of which are currently underway.
I can assure the Deputy that I will be doing my utmost in the course of these negotiations in order to ensure the optimum outcome for the Gaeltacht and Irish language sector.
Community Development Projects
Questions (929, 930, 931)
Ryan O'Meara
Question:929. Deputy Ryan O'Meara asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht in the context of Budget 2027, his plans to support community cafes or shops; particularly in relation to staffing costs. [68128/26]
View answerRyan O'Meara
Question:930. Deputy Ryan O'Meara asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht if capital grants are available to community cafes or shops to carry out property repairs or maintenance; and if any such streams that were previously opened, will be opened again. [68127/26]
View answerRyan O'Meara
Question:931. Deputy Ryan O'Meara asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht the potential funding streams available to community cafes or shops to hire staff; and if such streams that were previously opened, will be opened again. [68125/26]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 929, 930 and 931 together.
Community cafés and shops are social enterprises that are a vital part of many communities. They provide enormous benefits to their customers, staff and volunteers, offering training and employment opportunities and an important ‘hub’ for members of a community. I recognise that many operate in areas that make them financially unsustainable and so they may benefit from ongoing or operational supports. This is why my Department supports social enterprises to operate under a number of different programmes, each with their own scheme requirements and opening and closing dates, which can be found at the following links:
• Community Services Programme (CSP): https://www.gov.ie/en/service/f8f93d-apply-for-community-service-programme/
• Social Inclusion and Activation Programme (SICAP): https://www.pobal.ie/programmes/social-inclusion-and-community-activation-programme-sicap-2024-2028/
• LEADER: https://www.gov.ie/en/service/87e09-leader-programme-for-rural-development/
In April last, I launched the €4m Dormant Accounts Funded Sustaining Social Enterprise Scheme 2026/2027. While this scheme is now closed, community cafés and shops were eligible to apply for this funding which aligned with the policy objectives of Trading for Impact, the National Social Enterprise Policy 2024–2027. Following feedback from stakeholders in the sector, it was targeted at established social enterprises to grow their financial sustainability by developing a shared-service resource or recruiting a key staff member to focus on growing their trading income. Applications are currently under consideration and the successful projects will be announced in the coming weeks. This scheme will support the posts described for a period of 23 months. I have no plans at present for how this funding stream might be targeted at the end of this iteration of the scheme.
I would encourage any social enterprise seeking advice and assistance, including community cafés and shops, to contact their nearest Local Development Company (LDC). LDC staff are very familiar with social enterprises and well-informed on funding opportunities across a number of government departments and agencies that may be open for applications and able to provide support.
Additionally, the following organisations may be able to provide advice, funding and training for community cafés and shops:
• Rethink Ireland: https://rethinkireland.ie
• Social Entrepreneurs Ireland: https://www.socialentrepreneurs.ie/
• New Solutions Social Innovation Hub: https://www.new-solutions.ie/
There are also a range of business supports available to social enterprises, such as community cafés and shops, where they operate on a commercial basis through Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs). Applicants must also meet the eligibility criteria of the scheme for which they wish to apply. More information on LEOs can be found at www.localenterprise.ie. The National Enterprise Hub (NEH), also provides a centralised signposting service for over 250 Government or agency supports from 29 different Departments and State Agencies. The NEH website is www.neh.gov.ie. This free service makes it easier to access and avail of business supports such as grants, funding, loans and expert advice across a range of sectors and aims to engage with small businesses who have yet to avail of government support.
Within my department’s Rural Development Investment Programme, there is a range of schemes providing capital funding with a focus on the economic and social development. These schemes do not include a specific focus on the hospitality sector or rural shops, however, there are a limited number of projects which have been supported by the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund and the Town and Village Renewal Scheme which have seen café facilities included as part of wider multi-functional projects.
The 2026 Town and Village Renewal Scheme (TVRS) was launched on Wednesday 16 September 2026. There are two funding streams available under the 2026 Town and Village Renewal Scheme: the Main Scheme and the Project Development Measure. The Scheme is administered through the local authorities, who are required to work closely with local communities to develop proposals for submission to the Department. The closing date for the submission of applications is 22 January 2027.
Finally, my Department maintains a Social Enterprise Supports Table that provides a list of supports available to community groups and social enterprises in Ireland. This includes information on the various sources of advice, networking, training, funding and financial supports social enterprises may avail of. This table can be found at: https://www.gov.ie/en/collection/89e63-social-enterprise-supports-tables/
Question No. 930 answered with Question No. 929.
Question No. 931 answered with Question No. 929.
Community Development Projects
Questions (932)
Pádraig Mac Lochlainn
Question:932. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht what plans are in place for the Community Development Programme beyond 2026; whether consideration is being given, in the context of Budget 2027, to providing multi-annual funding and reviewing the level of core funding provided to projects under the programme. [68339/26]
View answerWritten answers
The aim of the Community Development Pilot Programme (CDP) is to trial community development initiatives that address poverty, social exclusion and inequality, and promote human rights by providing supports to the most severely marginalised.
The CDP was launched on 4th March 2021 with seven projects. Additional funding was made available in 2023 for the expansion of the programme. Following a closed call for applications in 2023, three additional projects were approved under the programme for 3 years.
In 2024, the Programme was extended for a further two years up to the 31st of December 2026. In 2025, after a review, the funding for each of the CDP Projects was increased by €25,000 to €150,000 for 2026.
All schemes operated by my department including the CDP are reviewed on a regular basis, to ensure the funding available is put to best use in terms of supporting communities throughout the country.
All aspects of the future funding of the CDP are being considered in the context of the annual budgetary estimates process.
Men's Sheds
Questions (933)
Mattie McGrath
Question:933. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht if he will provide a grant scheme for Men's Sheds to assist with their overhead and running costs for the period 1 May 2025 to 31 December 2026. [68341/26]
View answerWritten answers
My Department is very supportive of both Men’s Sheds and Women’s Sheds. Indeed, I can assure the Deputy that I am very conscious of the important role that these groups play in communities across the country. Men’s Sheds provide a space for men of all ages to come together on a regular basis in a safe, comfortable and inclusive environment.
My Department provides funding to Men’s Sheds under various funding supports, including:
• The Local Enhancement Programme (LEP);
• The Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP) 2024 - 2028; and
• The LEADER programme.
Since 2018, under my Department’s Local Enhancement Programme (LEP) and its iterations, Men’s Sheds have been allocated over €2.7 million, to assist with building upgrades and the purchase of equipment.
My Department also provides funding directly to the Irish Men's Shed Association (IMSA) under the Scheme to Support National Organisations (SSNO). The SSNO provides multi-annual funding towards core costs of national, community and voluntary organisations. The current iteration of the SSNO commenced on 1 July 2026, with funding of €297,766 over the three-years and 6-month period being provided to the IMSA.
In addition, since 2022, my Department has also provided over €2.3 million in current funding directly to the IMSA for onward distribution to individual Men's Sheds. Following a recent meeting with the IMSA to discuss this funding I received a new proposal in relation to the distribution of the funding.
Minister Buttimer and I also held positive and productive discussions with the IMSA on 22 September. Following that meeting, my officials have met with the IMSA and further meetings are planned to discuss their proposals for the 2026 Scheme.
Finally, the Deputy can be assured that I and my Department are totally committed to the work of Men's Sheds and also Women's Sheds on the ground. Given that the current distribution of funding has been identified by many individual sheds as cumbersome and being a burden, my priority when considering the future allocation mechanism for Men's Sheds is to ensure that the process is streamlined for the Sheds themselves and that funding is targeted and distributed in an effective and efficient manner.
Community Development Projects
Questions (934)
Shane Moynihan
Question:934. Deputy Shane Moynihan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht about future funding of volunteer centres through the New Communities Fund and whether additional funding streams will be used to promote integration. [68530/26]
View answerWritten answers
The Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht provides funding and other supports to the network of 29 Volunteer Centres across the country, as well as to a number of national volunteer-supporting organisations including Volunteer Ireland.
Since 2022, dedicated funding has been provided by government to the Department for distribution in communities accommodating displaced Ukrainians. The scope for the use of the funding was later expanded in response to increased numbers of new arrivals to Ireland. The funding has been allocated to Volunteer Centres to support their efforts to integrate and assist both new arrivals from Ukraine and elsewhere, and the communities that host them.
Using this funding, volunteers and staff in Volunteer Centres have been working to help displaced Ukrainians, International Protection Applicants and other new arrivals by providing information, support and assistance, and helping people to settle and integrate into their local communities.
Volunteer Centres have provided a range of community integration initiatives, such as information and outreach services, recruiting volunteers for translation/interpretation, assisting in local rest/accommodation centres, and volunteer drivers to provide transport services (particularly in rural or isolated areas). Volunteer Centres have also worked to encourage new arrivals to volunteer themselves, as a way of integrating into their new communities.
The Deputy can be reassured that the Department is committed to supporting communities, including supporting volunteering in our communities. Funding for Volunteer Centres, as well as for national volunteer-supporting organisations and the wider community and voluntary sector, in 2027 will be considered as part of the Government’s usual Budgetary processes.
Irish Language
Questions (935)
Seán Ó Fearghaíl
Question:935. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht the measures being considered by his Department in the context of Budget 2027 to further support the Irish language and Gaeltacht sectors; and if consideration is being given to increasing funding for organisations operating in these sectors. [68526/26]
View answerWritten answers
Since I was appointed Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht at the beginning of last year – the first senior Minister for the Irish language and the Gaeltacht in some years – my Department has undertaken significant work to promote and maintain the Irish language and to support groups supporting and promoting use of Irish.
I have set ambitious targets for the next few years and I am confident that this work will make a real difference to the Irish-speaking community. These targets cannot be achieved without the participation of a wide range of people, groups and organisations: the language planning community, the other Government Departments, Foras na Gaeilge, Údarás na Gaeltachta, the lead organisations, the local authorities and state organisations in general.
My Department is investing €160m in the sector this year, following the biggest ever increase for the Gaeltacht and Islands in Budget 2026 – a 30% increase on the €123m allocation in 2025. Between this investment, the impact of the Irish Language Public Services Action Plan published a few months ago and the impact of the Language Standards to be introduced next year, I am very confident that the use of the language will be significantly enhanced in the period ahead – in the Gaeltacht, around the country, and internationally.
As is the norm, my Department’s overall allocation and the specific allocation for the Irish language and the Gaeltacht for 2027 is currently being considered as part of the Estimates process for Budget 2027.
An Teanga Gaeilge
Questions (936)
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Question:936. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh den Aire Forbartha Tuaithe agus Pobail, agus Gaeltachta an bhfuil tús curtha leis an staidéar indéantachta maidir le seirbhís chomhroinnte aistriúcháin mar atá geallta sa Phlean Náisiúnta um Sheirbhísí Poiblí Gaeilge, agus an dáta faoina mbeidh torthaí an staidéir sin ar fáil; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [68456/26]
View answerWritten answers
Ag croílár iarrachtaí an Rialtais bogadh i dtreo seirbhís phoiblí dhátheangach, tá feidhmiú iomlán, rathúil Acht na dTeangacha Oifigiúla (arna leasú 2021). Tá an obair seo criticiúil ó thaobh an Ghaeilge a neadú isteach agus a normalú mar chuid lárnach de sholáthar seirbhísí poiblí agus chun a chur ar chumas lucht labhartha na teanga í a úsáid ina bplé leis an Stát.
Céim shuntasach chun cinn sa mhéid seo mar sin a bhí i bhfoilsiú an Phlean Náisiúnta um Sheirbhísí Poiblí Gaeilge i mí Dheireadh Fómhair 2024 agus an chéad Phlean Gníomhaíochta a ghabhann leis a foilsíodh i mí Eanáir 2026.
Díríonn an Plean Náisiúnta ar chúig phríomhthéama straitéiseacha sna réimsí seo a leanas:
Tionscnaimh Leathana agus Neartú Struchtúir Reatha;
Soláthar Seirbhísí Poiblí trí Ghaeilge;
Teicneolaíocht;
Oiliúint, Earcaíocht agus Inniúlacht Teanga; agus
Bailiúchán Sonraí.
Faoi Mhór-théama Straitéiseach 1: Tionscnaimh Leathana agus Neartú Struchtúir Reatha, tá sé mar sprioc ag Gníomh 1.2:
1.2 Go mbreathnófaí ar na féidearthachtaí a bhaineann le seirbhís chomhroinnte aistriúcháin a bhunú don earnáil phoiblí chun cur chuige caighdeánach agus comhordaithe a chinntiú i leith chúrsaí aistriúcháin ar an múnla céanna le hInstitiúidí an Aontais Eorpaigh.
Luann an Plean Gníomhaíochta gníomh sonrach a dtabharfar faoi leis an sprioc seo a bhaint amach, is é sin:
Gníomh 1.2.1: Déanfar staidéar féidearthachta a chur i gcrích agus na torthaí uaidh a bhreithniú i gcomhthéacs na chéad chéimeanna eile a aithint. Déanfar múnlaí éagsúla oibriúcháin a bhreithniú mar chuid den staidéar féidearthachta seo.
Tá dréacht Iarratas ar Luachan don staidéar seo réitithe agus an measúnú deiridh inmheánach i mo Roinn á dhéanamh air faoi láthair lena cheadú. Beidh gá an próiseas soláthair phoiblí a leanúint don staidéar seo agus aontófar amscála na hoibre mar chuid den chonradh leis an gconraitheoir rathúil.
An Teanga Gaeilge
Questions (937)
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Question:937. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh den Aire Forbartha Tuaithe agus Pobail, agus Gaeltachta an bhfuil tús curtha leis an staidéar indéantachta maidir le moil seirbhíse agus clinicí le haghaidh seirbhísí poiblí i nGaeilge, mar atá geallta sa Phlean Náisiúnta um Sheirbhísí Poiblí Gaeilge, agus an dáta faoina mbeidh torthaí an staidéir sin ar fáil; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [68455/26]
View answerWritten answers
Ag croílár iarrachtaí an Rialtais bogadh i dtreo seirbhís phoiblí dhátheangach, tá feidhmiú iomlán, rathúil Acht na dTeangacha Oifigiúla (arna leasú 2021). Tá an obair seo criticiúil ó thaobh an Ghaeilge a neadú isteach agus a normalú mar chuid lárnach de sholáthar seirbhísí poiblí agus chun a chur ar chumas lucht labhartha na teanga í a úsáid ina bplé leis an Stát.
Céim shuntasach chun cinn sa mhéid seo mar sin a bhí i bhfoilsiú an Phlean Náisiúnta um Sheirbhísí Poiblí Gaeilge i mí Dheireadh Fómhair 2024 agus an chéad Phlean Gníomhaíochta a ghabhann leis a foilsíodh i mí Eanáir 2026.
Díríonn an Plean Náisiúnta ar chúig phríomhthéama straitéiseacha sna réimsí seo a leanas:
Tionscnaimh Leathana agus Neartú Struchtúir Reatha;
Soláthar Seirbhísí Poiblí trí Ghaeilge;
Teicneolaíocht;
Oiliúint, Earcaíocht agus Inniúlacht Teanga; agus
Bailiúchán Sonraí.
Faoi Mhór-théama Straitéiseach 1: Tionscnaimh Leathana agus Neartú Struchtúir Reatha, tá sé mar sprioc ag Gníomh 1.1:
Go mbreathnófaí ar na féidearthachtaí a bhaineann le mo(i)l-seirbhísí nó clinicí a bhunú ar bhonn píolótach chun croí-sheirbhísí poiblí a chur ar fáil do phobal na Gaeltachta agus lucht labhartha na Gaeilge lasmuigh den Ghaeltacht, agus athbhrandáil iomlán a dhéanamh ar na seirbhísí poiblí a chuirtear ar fáil trí mheán na Gaeilge do na pobail sin, chun a gcuid muiníne sna seirbhísí sin a chothú — i gcomhréir le mianta polasaí an Rialtais: ‘Seirbhísí Poiblí Níos Fearr — Straitéis chlaochlaithe chun seachadadh don phobal agus muinín a chothú’.
Luann an Plean Gníomhaíochta dhá ghníomh shonracha a dtabharfar fúthu leis an sprioc seo a bhaint amach, is iad sin:
Gníomh 1.1.1: Déanfar staidéar féidearthachta a chur i gcrích maidir le bunú na moil-seirbhísí/clinicí agus na torthaí uaidh a bhreithniú i gcomhthéacs na chéad chéimeanna eile a aithint, sa tsúil go ndéanfar iad seo a thionscnamh ar bhonn píolótach.
agus
Gníomh 1.1.2: Déanfar staidéar féidearthachta a chur i gcrích maidir le haonaid shonracha seirbhíse poiblí a bhunú sa Ghaeltacht nó a athlonnú chuig an nGaeltacht ar bhonn buan chun croí-sheirbhísí poiblí a sholáthar trí mheán na Gaeilge, agus déanfar na torthaí uaidh a bhreithniú i gcomhthéacs na chéad chéimeanna eile a aithint, sa tsúil go ndéanfar iad seo a thionscnamh ar bhonn píolótach.
Tá dréacht-cháipéisí soláthair réitithe don dá staidéar seo agus an measúnú deiridh inmheánach á dhéanamh orthu faoi láthair lena gceadú. Aontófar amscála na hoibre mar chuid den chonradh leis na conraitheoirí rathúla..
An Teanga Gaeilge
Questions (938)
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Question:938. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh den Aire Forbartha Tuaithe agus Pobail, agus Gaeltachta an bhfuil córas curtha i bhfeidhm maidir le cóitseálaithe teanga agus curaidh theanga mar atá geallta sa Phlean Náisiúnta um Sheirbhísí Poiblí Gaeilge; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [68458/26]
View answerWritten answers
Agus muid ag dul i dtreo seirbhísí poiblí dátheangacha a neadú sa státchóras, aithnítear an tábhacht faoi leith a bhaineann le tacaíocht a sholáthar agus muinín a chothú i measc an fhórsa saothair a bheidh ag cur na seirbhísí seo ar fáil don phobal ar bhonn laethúil. Dá réir sin, beidh róil an chóitseálaí teanga agus an churaidh teanga á bhforbairt chun crann taca a chur ar fáil dóibh.
Faoi Ghníomh 4.1.1 (O) den Phlean Gníomhaíochta um Sheirbhísí Poiblí Gaeilge 2026-2028, luaitear go bhforordófar faoi na caighdeáin teanga go mbeidh duine amháin ar a laghad i ngach comhlacht poiblí - go háirithe iad siúd a mbíonn teagmháil dhíreach acu leis an bpobal, sannaithe mar chóitseálaí teanga. Beidh an cóitseálaí seo ann chun tacú le baill foirne atá ag obair i ról le Gaeilge nó atá ag foghlaim na Gaeilge, agus beidh gá don chomhlacht poiblí an oiliúint chuí a chur ar fáil don bhall foirne sin, nó do na baill foirne sin, chun an ról a chomhlíonadh trí chúrsa creidiúnaithe. Is cleachtas í an chóitseáil teanga ina gcuireann daoine aonair tacaíocht fhoirmiúil teanga ar fáil d'fhostaithe, a chabhraíonn leo bainistiú a dhéanamh ar an imní a bhaineann go minic le teanga a úsáid i gcomhthéacs gairmiúil, nach céad teanga an duine í.
Anuas air sin, faoi Ghníomh 4.1.3 (O) den Phlean Gníomhaíochta, cuirfidh comhlachtaí poiblí tionscnaimh ar bun chun úsáid agus foghlaim na Gaeilge san ionad oibre a chur chun cinn i measc na foirne. Mar chuid den obair seo, agus faoi Gníomh 4.1.2 (O), déanfar Gréasán Gaeilge na hEarnála Poiblí a chur chun cinn i measc a gcuid foirne agus aithneofar seaimpíní teanga ar bhonn deonach laistigh d’eagraíochtaí chun comhoibriú leis an nGréasán le himeachtaí Gaeilge a reáchtáil go háitiúil - ag spreagadh úsáid nádúrtha na Gaeilge i measc comhghleacaithe sa láthair oibre.
Seoladh Gréasán Gaeilge don Earnáil Phoiblí i samhradh 2024 agus ó shin i leith tá sé ag tacú le daoine ar fud na seirbhíse poiblí chun an Ghaeilge a úsáid agus a neartú, le breis is 4,000 fostaithe den stát cláraithe leo faoi láthair. Tá fís shoiléir taobh thiar den tionscadal: an Ghaeilge a chur ar fáil ar bhealach dearfach, praiticiúil agus spreagúil do gach duine sa tseirbhís phoiblí.
Tacaíonn an Gréasán le spriocanna náisiúnta teanga agus le cur i bhfeidhm Acht na dTeangacha Oifigiúla, 2003, arna leasú. Ach níos tábhachtaí fós, cruthaíonn sé spás cairdiúil inar féidir le daoine an Ghaeilge a úsáid, a chleachtadh agus a fheabhsú gan brú – mar chuid nádúrtha dá gcuid oibre agus dá saol sóisialta.
Tá pacáiste ionduchtaithe forbartha ag an nGréasán do bhaill foirne i gcomhlachtaí poiblí maidir lena chuid oibre mar acmhainn dóibh siúd atá i róil le Gaeilge agus/nó ar mian leo a gcuid scileanna Gaeilge a fheabhsú san ionad oibre. Chomh maith leis sin, tá cur i láthair déanta ag an nGréasán do bhreis is 100 comhlacht poiblí - trína nOifigigh na dTeangacha Oifigiúla - chun obair an Gréasán a chur chun cinn mar acmhainn don fhoireann. Reáchtáil siad chomh maith, i gcomhar leis an bhForas Riaracháin agus Gaelchultúr, searmanas bronnta d'fhoghlaimeoirí teanga san earnáil phoiblí faoi dhó i mbliana agus leanfar leis an gcleachtas sin arís sna blianta amach romhainn.
Tá ceardlann le reáchtáil ag oifigigh mo Roinne d'Oifigigh na dTeangacha Oifigiúla i Ranna agus Oifigí Stáit agus Údaráis Áitiúla le linn Sheachtain Chlaochlú na Seirbhíse Poiblí i mí na Samhna chomh maith, agus tá i gceist í seo a úsáid chun feasacht a chothú ar chleachtas an chóisteálaí teanga, an Ghréasáin Ghaeilge, agus na féidearthachtaí a bhaineann le seaimpíní teanga a cheangal isteach le hobair an Ghréasáin Ghaeilge.
Tá gníomhartha eile le teacht chun cinn chomh maith faoi chur i bhfeidhm an Phlean Gníomhaíochta a thacóidh leis na bearta tacaíochta uile seo a cheangal le chéile laistigh d'eagraíochtaí agus iad ag iarraidh timpeallacht atá dearfach ó thaobh an dátheangachas a chruthú dá gcuid fostaithe m.sh. an Ciste Nuálaíochta atá le bunú faoi Ghníomh 1.3.2.
Mar a fheictear ón méid seo, tá struchtúir á gcur ar bun faoin bPlean Náisiúnta agus Plean Gníomhaíochta, a chinnteoidh rath chur i bhfeidhm na reachtaíochta teanga agus muid ag tabhairt faoin dara leath den mhór-thionscadal Rialtais seo i dtreo bhuanú seirbhís phoiblí dhátheangach anois.
An Teanga Gaeilge
Questions (939)
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Question:939. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh den Aire Forbartha Tuaithe agus Pobail, agus Gaeltachta Gaeltachta an bhfuil tús curtha leis an gcóras ilphointe aitheantais do dhaoine le Gaeilge sa státchóras mar atá geallta sa Phlean Náisiúnta um Sheirbhísí Poiblí Gaeilge, agus an dáta faoina mbeidh an córas sin i bhfeidhm; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [68457/26]
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Ag croílár iarrachtaí an Rialtais bogadh i dtreo seirbhís phoiblí dhátheangach, tá feidhmiú iomlán, rathúil Acht na dTeangacha Oifigiúla (arna leasú 2021). Tá an obair seo criticiúil ó thaobh an Ghaeilge a neadú isteach agus a normalú mar chuid lárnach de sholáthar seirbhísí poiblí agus chun a chur ar chumas lucht labhartha na teanga í a úsáid ina bplé leis an Stát.
Céim shuntasach chun cinn sa mhéid seo mar sin a bhí i bhfoilsiú an Phlean Náisiúnta um Sheirbhísí Poiblí Gaeilge i mí Dheireadh Fómhair 2024 agus an chéad Phlean Gníomhaíochta a ghabhann leis a foilsíodh i mí Eanáir 2026.
Díríonn an Plean Náisiúnta ar chúig phríomhthéama straitéiseacha sna réimsí seo a leanas:
Tionscnaimh Leathana agus Neartú Struchtúir Reatha;
Soláthar Seirbhísí Poiblí trí Ghaeilge;
Teicneolaíocht;
Oiliúint, Earcaíocht agus Inniúlacht Teanga; agus
Bailiúchán Sonraí.
Faoi Mhór-théama Straitéiseach 2: Soláthar Seirbhísí Poiblí trí Ghaeilge, tá sé mar sprioc ag Gníomh 2.7.1:
Go bhforbrófar córas aitheantais ilúsáide aontaithe chun seirbhísí Gaeilge atá ar fáil a léiriú, le húsáid ar fud na hearnála poiblí. Déanfar seirbhísí gairmiúla a choimisiúnú chuige seo más gá. D’fhéadfadh sé go n-áireofar leis seo cleachtas scóipeála chun samplaí rathúla atá in úsáid cheana féin a scrúdú. Agus é seo forbartha, forordófar trí na caighdeáin teanga go mbeidh dualgas ar chomhlachtaí poiblí an córas a úsáid. Is féidir go nascfar é seo le Gníomh 2.6.1. agus 2.6.2.
Mar a luaitear faoi Ghníomhartha 2.6.1 agus 2.6.2, is féidir go n-áireoidh an córas:
• Siombailí / lipéid / suaitheantais / bróidnéireacht / sínithe ríomhphoist, srl.; agus
• Fógraí soiléire, sofheicthe ag cuntair chuí de chuid comhlachtaí poiblí le léiriú go bhfuil seirbhís as Gaeilge ar fáil, más amhlaidh, agus go gcuirtear fáilte roimh iarratas ar sheirbhís trí Ghaeilge.
Mar a shonraítear sa Phlean Gníomhaíochta, tá na gníomhartha thuasluaite ar chlár oibre na bliana 2027
An Teanga Gaeilge
Questions (940)
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Question:940. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh den Aire Forbartha Tuaithe agus Pobail, agus Gaeltachta an bhfuil grúpa oibre earnála don tríú leibhéal ceaptha, nó faoi cén dáta a gceapfar é, mar atá geallta sa Phlean Náisiúnta um Sheirbhísí Poiblí Gaeilge; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [68460/26]
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Bunaíodh an Grúpa Oibre Earnála um Riachtanais Oideachais Threasaigh don Ghaeilge san Earnáil Phoiblí faoi mhaoirseacht na Roinne Breisoideachais agus Ardoideachais, Taighde, Nuálaíochta agus Eolaíochta agus na Roinne Forbartha Tuaithe agus Pobail agus Gaeltachta ar 30 Meitheamh 2026 i ndáil le Gníomh 4.3.3 (O) den Phlean Gníomhaíochta um Sheirbhísí Poiblí Gaeilge 2026-2028.
Tá comhaltas an ghrúpa comhdhéanta d’oifigigh shinsearacha ón Roinn Breisoideachais agus Ardoideachais, Taighde, Nuálaíochta agus Eolaíochta agus ón Roinn Forbartha Tuaithe agus Pobail agus Gaeltachta chomh maith le geallsealbhóirí ó ranna rialtais, gníomhaireachtaí ábhartha agus ionadaithe ó na hearnálacha breisoideachais agus ardoideachais.
Is é príomh chuspóir an ghrúpa oibre seo ná breithniú a dhéanamh ar an gcaoi ar féidir leis an raon iomlán de sholáthar oideachais treasaigh, trasna réimsí an ardoideachais, breisoideachais agus oiliúna, printíseachta, uasoiliúna, athoiliúna agus foghlaim ar feadh an tsaoil, tacú le spriocanna na hearnála poiblí a bhaint amach ó thaobh na Gaeilge de. Sa mhéid seo, scrúdóidh an Grúpa na réimsí scileanna tosaíochta atá ag teacht chun cinn faoin bPlean Náisiúnta um Sheirbhísí Poiblí Gaeilge 2024-2030 agus tógfar nithe geografacha agus deiseanna teicneolaíochta san áireamh.
Déanfaidh an Grúpa seo cibé taighde a mheastar ar gá chomh maith chun bonn eolais a chur faoina chuid oibre agus i gcomhréir le haon riachtanais reachtúla agus beartais eile.
Reáchtáladh an chéad chruinniú den Ghrúpa ar an 30 Meitheamh 2026, le plé fiúntach agus tairbheach déanta ar an lá, agus reáchtáladh an dara chruinniú ansin an tseachtain seo ar an 28 Meán Fómhair 2026.
An Teanga Gaeilge
Questions (941)
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Question:941. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh den Aire Forbartha Tuaithe agus Pobail, agus Gaeltachta an bhfuil tús curtha leis an staidéar indéantachta maidir le rogha teanga na saoránach a chlárú in aon áit amháin, agus faoi cén dáta a mbeidh torthaí ar fáil ina leith, mar atá geallta sa Phlean Náisiúnta um Sheirbhísí Poiblí Gaeilge; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [68459/26]
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Ag croílár iarrachtaí an Rialtais bogadh i dtreo seirbhís phoiblí dhátheangach, tá feidhmiú iomlán, rathúil Acht na dTeangacha Oifigiúla (arna leasú 2021). Tá an obair seo criticiúil ó thaobh an Ghaeilge a neadú isteach agus a normalú mar chuid lárnach de sholáthar seirbhísí poiblí agus chun a chur ar chumas lucht labhartha na teanga í a úsáid ina bplé leis an Stát.
Céim shuntasach chun cinn sa mhéid seo mar sin a bhí i bhfoilsiú an Phlean Náisiúnta um Sheirbhísí Poiblí Gaeilge i mí Dheireadh Fómhair 2024 agus an chéad Phlean Gníomhaíochta a ghabhann leis a foilsíodh i mí Eanáir 2026.
Díríonn an Plean Náisiúnta ar chúig phríomhthéama straitéiseacha sna réimsí seo a leanas:
Tionscnaimh Leathana agus Neartú Struchtúir Reatha;
Soláthar Seirbhísí Poiblí trí Ghaeilge;
Teicneolaíocht;
Oiliúint, Earcaíocht agus Inniúlacht Teanga; agus
Bailiúchán Sonraí.
Faoi Mhór-théama Straitéiseach 1: Tionscnaimh Leathana agus Neartú Struchtúir Reatha, tá sé mar sprioc ag Gníomh 3.4:
3.4 Go mbreathnófaí ar na féidearthachtaí a bhaineann le deis a bheith ag saoránach rogha teanga (Gaeilge agus/nó Béarla) a chlárú in aon áit amháin do sheirbhísí poiblí i gcoiteann agus go bhféadfaí é seo a úsáid ansin ar fud na hearnála poiblí.
Luann an Plean Gníomhaíochta dhá ghníomh shonracha a dtabharfar fúthu leis an sprioc seo a bhaint amach, is iad sin:
Gníomh 3.4.1: Déanfar staidéar féidearthachta a chur i gcrích agus na torthaí uaidh a bhreithniú i gcomhthéacs na chéad chéimeanna eile a aithint. Mar chuid den staidéar féidearthachta seo, féachfar ar mhúnlaí lárnacha atá ann cheana féin ó thaobh MyGov mar aon le bearta a bhféadfaí tabhairt fúthu chun feasacht a chothú i measc fostaithe na hearnála poiblí maidir lena leithéid de chlár lárnach, dá mbunófaí é, chomh maith le hinfhaighteacht éasca agus forleathan a chinntiú air i gcomhréir le cúrsaí cosanta sonraí. Nascfar an obair seo le hobair: an Choiste Chomhairligh um Sheirbhísí Gaeilge; an Ghrúpa Oibre bunaithe idir RFTPG, RCPA agus ÚnaG luaite faoi Ghníomh 3.1.1.; an ghrúpa oibre teicniúil luaite faoi Chuspóir 3.6 den Phlean Náisiúnta; an Choiste Chomhairligh um an nGaeilge sa Réimse Digiteach; agus ALT-EDIC.
agus
Gníomh 3.4.2: San idirthréimhse, déanfar feachtas feasachta a reáchtáil chun feasacht a chothú i measc an phobail maidir leis na féidearthachtaí reatha atá ann a rogha teanga a chlárú.
Mar atá luaite sa Phlean Gníomhaíochta, beidh an dá ghníomh seo san áireamh ar chlár oibre na bliana 2027.
Rural Schemes
Questions (942)
Donna McGettigan
Question:942. Deputy Donna McGettigan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht the estimated 2025 and 2026 Budget allocation for the Town and Village Renewal Scheme, in tabular form. [68653/26]
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The Town and Village Renewal Scheme (TVRS) was introduced in 2016 and is one of a number of measures designed to rejuvenate rural towns and villages throughout Ireland. This scheme places particular emphasis on projects which support sustainable employment creation, town centre resilience and regeneration, enhance streetscapes, and bringing derelict and vacant buildings and sites back into use as multi-purpose community spaces. Since the launch of the scheme over €217 million has been allocated to almost 2,000 projects across the country.
A Town and Village Renewal Scheme (TVRS) Call for Proposals was launched on Wednesday 16 September 2026. There are two funding streams available under this Call: The Main Scheme and the Project Development Measure and further details are available on my department's website. The closing date for the submission of applications is 22 January 2027.
The 2025 and 2026 budget allocation for the Town and Village Renewal Scheme is set out in the following table.
|
Year |
Subhead allocation |
|
2025 |
€20,000,000 |
|
2026 |
€21,000,000 |
Men's Sheds
Questions (943)
Ken O'Flynn
Question:943. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht further to Parliamentary Question Nos. 66834/26 and 66836/26 to provide the figures for 2024 and to date in 2026, which were omitted from the table provided; the amount of the €1 million made available under the 2025 Local Enhancement Programme that was paid to Men's Sheds as distinct from other community groups; whether a dedicated running costs grant for Men's Sheds will open in 2026; the timeframe for a decision on the proposal received from the Irish Men's Shed Association on 21 September 2026; and the provision being sought in Budget 2027. [68784/26]
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Since 2022, my Department has provided over €2.3 million in current funding directly to the IMSA for onward distribution to individual Men's Sheds. This funding was allocated to the Irish Men’s Sheds Association in 2022, 2023 and 2025.
Since 2018, under my Department’s Local Enhancement Programme (LEP) and its iterations, Men’s Sheds have been allocated over €2.7 million, in capital funding to assist with building upgrades and the purchase of equipment.
Under the €7 million Local Enhancement Programme 2025, €1 million in current funding was made available for Community Groups, including Men’s Sheds, to assist with their energy and running costs, to help them continue their important work within the community. Almost €66,000 of this current funding was allocated to 150 Men’s Sheds in 2025.
Minister Buttimer and I held positive and productive discussions with the IMSA on 22 September. Following that meeting, my officials have met with the IMSA and further meetings are planned to discuss their proposals for the 2026 Scheme.
The Deputy can be assured that I and my Department are totally committed to the work of Men's Sheds and Women's Sheds on the ground. Given that the current method of distribution of funding has been identified by many individual sheds as cumbersome and being a burden, my priority when considering the future allocation mechanism for Men's Sheds is to ensure that the process is streamlined for the Sheds themselves and that funding is targeted and distributed in an effective and efficient manner.