Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 785: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if there is a scheme available for parents towards the costs of sending their post primary children to the three-week Gaeltacht summer school to help their knowledge and understanding of the Irish language; his plans in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1857/08]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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Under Scéim na bhFoghlaimeoirí Gaeilge, which is administered by my Department, grants are paid to qualified households in Gaeltacht areas who accommodate Irish students attending recognised Irish courses in the Gaeltacht. This scheme indirectly helps parents by reducing the cost they are required to pay when sending their children to the Gaeltacht to learn Irish. However, my Department does not assist parents directly in this regard.

Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 786: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the reason a pupil (details supplied) in County Mayo was only approved the half rate Deontas in each of the past ten years in view of their fluency level in the Irish language. [1858/08]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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Under Scéim Labhairt na Gaeilge a grant of €260 per school year is payable to qualified families in the Gaeltacht who satisfy my Department that Irish is their normal spoken language. Where a family fails to demonstrate the degree of fluency required under the Scheme, my Department may pay a reduced grant of 50%, if it is satisfied that the family can eventually reach the appropriate standard.

The reduced grant was most recently paid in the case referred to by the Deputy for the 2005/2006 school year. The 2006/2007 and the 2007/2008 school year applications have yet to be examined. The two applications will be examined together and the Deputy will be informed of the outcome.