Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 2 December 2025
724. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht if changes can be made to the payment for Mná Tí to expand to other items as required by Mná Tí rather than only those outlined; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [67444/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Programme for Government 2025: Securing Ireland's Future contains a commitment to 'maintain and where possible enhance support for Mná Tí at Gaeltacht summer colleges'. In this regard, my Department provides a number of supports for households providing accommodation for learners. The Department offers targeted support to the sector to ensure that the costs associated with necessary works and items are reduced.
Newly-recognised families may avail of a once-off starter grant. This grant supports households with the cost of works required to comply with fire safety requirements, including the installation of alarms and fire suppression systems, and the purchase of bed frames and mattresses as required. The grant is worth up to €6,000 or 80% of costs, whichever is the lesser.
My Department recently launched a short-term capital scheme for households recognised as accommodation providers for a number of years but who were unable to avail of the once-off starter grant. This upgrade grant provided targeted support to long-established households of up to €2,000 or 80% of costs, whichever is the lesser, against the cost of purchasing new bedframes and mattresses. As established households are required to routinely maintain compliance with fire safety requirements, and obtain engineer's certificates for their properties, these routine running costs were not qualifiable under the conditions of the upgrade grant.
Over 200 established households applied for this upgrade grant and my officials hope to process the vast majority of payments to qualified applicants before year-end.
