Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 597: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the funding which will be provided for Gaeltacht summer schools following the abolition of the capital grant scheme previously provided; the position in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46557/08]

Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 598: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the effects on an industry following the cutback in a capital grant scheme (details supplied); and if he will reconsider same. [46558/08]

Dinny McGinley (Donegal South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 611: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the impact the abolition of capital grants for Irish colleges will have on the Irish language, the economy of the Gaeltacht and the Irish colleges themselves; his views on restoring the grant for 2009 and future years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46800/08]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 597, 598 and 611 together.

I recognise the important role of the Gaeltacht summer colleges and I commend the work of the colleges for fostering fluency among the students who attend them. It is encouraging that a significant number of students continue to attend these colleges in the Gaeltacht. I recognise also that the colleges have a considerable influence on the economy in the Gaeltacht areas in which they are located. However, the 2009 Budget required difficult choices to be made across all areas of public expenditure. These decisions were made to control public expenditure and to ensure sustainability in the long run. In this respect Education, while protected to a much greater extent than most other areas of public expenditure, could not be totally spared.

Notwithstanding the increase of €302 million in the education budget for 2009, which is a real achievement in the current economic climate, a number of tough and difficult decisions had to be taken. These decisions were outlined in the Budget day announcements and included the abolition of my Department's grant to Irish summer colleges. The rate of grant assistance provided per student enrolled on a three week course in 2008 was approximately €53 which represented a relatively small portion of the overall cost of attending.

State support will continue for students who attend the summer colleges in the form of the subsidies which are paid to families which accommodate students. The funding of student teachers' attendance at summer colleges in the Gaeltacht and the arrangements regarding additional personal leave for primary teachers who teach in summer colleges will also continue. I understand the cultural and sociological importance of Gaeltacht areas for students of the language and I am delighted that support will continue to be given to them.