Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 April 2026
1330. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht if there are any financial supports/grants for summer camps through Gaeilge; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30939/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has been funding Scéim na gCampaí Samhraidh within the Gaeltacht for many years. Under the current arrangement, funding of up €330,000 per year is granted to Údarás na Gaeltachta to administer the scheme. Since 2017, Muintearas Teo. a subsidiary of Údarás na Gaeltachta has been managing the delivery of Scéim na gCampaí Samhraidh within the Gaeltacht.
The main aim of the scheme is to create social and educational opportunities through Irish for young people in the Gaeltacht to help develop interest and confidence in their use of Irish outside of school settings. This funding support helps ensure camp fees are kept as low as possible for families. Between 2017 and 2025, the scheme has supported 1,265 summer camps in which 44,824 young people participated.
Foras na Gaeilge also provides funding for its Scéim na gCampaí Samhraidh every year for Irish language camps which aim to strengthen the use and enjoyment of Irish amongst young people through a range of activities. This scheme is open to camps:
• for young people aged between 3 and 18 years;
• that are non-residential;
• That last five days; and,
• That provide at least 4.5 hours of activities per day.
This is a non-profit scheme aimed at keeping camp fees as low as possible for families and and at encouraging the use of the language amongst young people.
