Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I do not know that any had outright refused but obviously some have yet to apply. I do not want to say whether that means they are not considering applying. I hope they are. To be fair, they have to commit. It is not a case of sending in the application. It is a commitment to a process that represents an immersion approach and my Department will be demanding that those who do participate step up to the standard expected, but there are good incentives available. There is a cash grant, additional hours and continuing professional development, CPD. They are looking at the post-primary level. There is an elearning hub model. This is a significant investment by my Department to try to achieve much higher standards in Gaeltacht areas because there was a genuine concern that language standards were slipping. We believe this model is the right track but it is open to schools to decide they do not want to participate.

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