Written answers

Wednesday, 31 January 2007

Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs

Irish Language

8:00 am

Photo of Enda KennyEnda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 1299: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will report on the 30 Irish language learning centres situated in the Gaeltacht areas; the number of persons who have attended courses at these centres in 2006; the number of trained teachers employed in promoting Irish in these centres; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3118/07]

Photo of Enda KennyEnda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 1300: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the reason no Irish language learning centre has been sited in the Tourmakeady Gaeltacht in County Mayo; the further reason a decision was taken not to site a language learning centre in this Gaeltacht area; if he will reverse this decision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3119/07]

Photo of Éamon Ó CuívÉamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 1299 and 1300 together.

The Irish language centres referred to by the Deputy are a core element of a 5-year language strategy called Gaeilge 2010, which is being promoted by Údarás na Gaeltachta in co-operation with my Department and local community groups in the Gaeltacht. The courses available through these centres comprise the graded Teastas Eorpach na Gaeilge/European Certificate of Irish developed by the Languages Centre in the National University of Ireland Maynooth. This certificate is on a par with accredited certificates for adult language learners in all major European languages. In 2006, a total of 646 people attended these Irish language courses in 28 centres. 62 teachers have been involved in the delivery of these courses.

I understand that Tuar Mhic Éadaigh was included in the first phase of centres that were offered for development by local communities but a difficulty arose in locating suitable premises. The local community development group, Coiste Pobail Thuar Mhic Éadaigh, has since identified suitable premises, which is undergoing refurbishment at present. When the necessary work is completed, Coiste Pobail Thuar Mhic Éadaigh will be in a position to pursue the setting up of a language centre to cater for 102 people who have indicated an interest in courses in that centre.

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