Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 September 2025
991. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will support the roll-out of free Irish language classes based on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages to all third level students; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52049/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraOur higher education system plays an important role in supporting and promoting the use of the Irish language. I am determined to see that students who wish to learn and continue to use Irish at third level be given opportunities to do so.
The Higher Education Authority Act 2022 highlights the importance of the Irish language by placing a responsibility on the Higher Education Authority (HEA) to ensure that higher education institutions (HEIs) promote and use the language. My Department, through the HEA, also provides ring-fenced funding to this end. However, it should be noted that HEIs are autonomous in their Irish language strategies, including the provision and expansion of university courses offered through the Irish language.
Ring-fenced funding of €900,000 is provided annually by my Department to support greater use of the Irish language by students and staff in our higher education institutions. This funding is allocated through the HEA as block grants, allowing institutions fund their own Irish-language initiatives.
The HEA also distributes funding of €1.8 million annually from my Department for the development of Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge at the University of Galway, with additional funding coming from the Department of the Gaeltacht.
Additionally, the HEA sponsors the Gníomhaí Gaeilge initiative and has provided €150,000 in funding over the last three years to develop Irish language skills among students in Irish language clubs and societies through mentorship and training, in partnership with Aontas na Mac Léinn in Éirinn and Conradh na Gaeilge. Given the success of this project, the HEA has approved further funding over the next three academic years totalling more than €220,000.
These supports are in addition to any initiatives which are independently sponsored by third level institutions themselves, in order to support students who wish to learn or improve their Irish language skills.
