Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I absolutely appreciate the work of the mná tí. The whole purpose of students having an opportunity to experience living with a family and all of that is supportive of the language. The area of mná tí specifically falls within the Department of tourism.

In terms of the supports we are in a position to provide, the capitation grant was removed after the recession. We are in the middle of budget negotiations, engagements and discussions at this time. Obviously, everything is on the table. Where we have capacity and where there are no competing demands, we look at everything. I wish to be clear that I am aware of the enormous advantage for students when they have an opportunity to stay in a home to experience family life and the natural experience of the Gaeltacht every day. It is a good experience for students.