Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Section 61 provides for the development of the strategic development plans in our designated institutions of higher education that are not universities, technological universities, institutes of technology or the National College of Art and Design. This amendment proposes to include the Irish-language requirement in their development plans but for what are mainly private and not-for-profit institutions. We generally attach conditions through funding. These institutions may not be receiving any funding from the Exchequer, and some may be receiving competitive funding only, as we discussed the last day. I outlined this in my engagement with Conradh na Gaeilge. While I am considering more amendments in the round on Irish, that is my position on these amendments.