Frank Feighan (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 156: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the amount of funding spent in 2009 and to date in 2010 by her Department on Irish language training for public servants; the number of persons that participated in Irish language training courses; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35309/10]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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My Department spent €3,135 in 2009 and €15,350 in 2010 on Irish language training. Seventy seven officials participated in Irish language courses in 2009 and seventy four have pursued courses to date in 2010. The majority of the participants pursued courses with Gaeleagras while 2 officials undertook a Diploma in Irish at the National University, Maynooth and another undertook the Higher Diploma in Editing & Proof Reading in the same college. Of the seventy four participants who pursued courses this year forty one members of my Department's Inspectorate attended a 3 day immersion course with Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta which is a part of University College Galway to enhance their language skills in order that they can conduct their duties through Irish with schools in Gaeltacht areas and schools that conduct the school curriculum through the Irish language.