Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
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Question 398: To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if he will review a matter (details supplied) regarding accommodation for students; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5145/12]

Dinny McGinley (Donegal South West, Fine Gael)
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In the context of the national economic difficulties, the funding available to my Department for Gaeltacht schemes has decreased in recent years. As a result, the grant provided to households in the Gaeltacht under Scéim na bhFoghlaimeoirí Gaeilge was reduced in 2010, and again in 2011. CONCOS, the umbrella organisation representing the Irish colleges, requested my Department to endeavour not to decrease the household grant again in 2012. I am happy to confirm that, despite further reductions in the Gaeltacht budget, my Department will be able to maintain payments this year at the 2011 level.

In an effort to further develop the effectiveness of Scéim na bhFoghlaimeoirí Gaeilge and to ensure its future viability, my Department will only make payments under the scheme in 2012 in respect of a maximum of 14 students in each recognised household. This is based on the premise that communication between the students and the host families functions more satisfactorily when smaller numbers of students are involved. This amendment to the scheme should also encourage a greater number of households to become involved in providing accommodation to students attending Irish colleges in Gaeltacht areas.