Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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Question 36: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs his views on the new scheme announced recently by Foras na Gaeilge to fund Irish-speaking summer camps for children which will be located outside Gaeltacht areas; the level of funding his Department will provide for these camps; the level of interest from community and other groups that has been expressed in these new camps; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16664/05]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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I welcome this new scheme being introduced by Foras na Gaeilge. The scheme is being introduced to provide school-going children between the ages of seven and 14 with an opportunity to use and improve their skills in the Irish language during the summer months. The introduction of this scheme supports the mission statement of Foras na Gaeilge "To increase the use of Irish in everyday life".

Funding for this scheme will be provided by Foras na Gaeilge within the budget provided to it from my Department and the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure.

I understand from Foras na Gaeilge that more than 60 information packs were sent out in relation to the scheme and that 30 applications have been received to date.