Brendan Griffin (Kerry South, Fine Gael)
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154. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if the grant to student teachers undertaking courses in the Gaeltacht will be restored; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28328/14]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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As part of the Government's budgetary considerations and the Comprehensive Expenditure Review carried out in 2011, a decision was made to abolish payments by this Department towards the cost of attendance at Gaeltacht courses by initial teacher education students with effect from September 2012.

The decision to abolish the grants was not taken lightly, and it has to be viewed in the context of the prevailing requirement to reduce costs and achieve efficiencies where possible. In making difficult decisions such as this, priority was given to protecting resources for front line education services as far as possible in the coming years, which is especially challenging with rising numbers of school-going children.

To assist with the costs of the Gaeltacht placement, students who are in receipt of a student grant which includes a 100% fee grant, or who would have qualified for a full fee grant but for the Free Fees Schemes, can apply for funding towards travel and accommodation costs under the field trip element of a fee grant, subject to the normal terms and conditions of the scheme.

Apart from the student grant system, in circumstances of particular need students may apply for support under the Student Assistance Fund. Information in relation to this fund is available through the Access Officer in the third level institution attended.

For the reasons I have outlined, I am not in a position at this time to reinstate funding to this area.

Brendan Griffin (Kerry South, Fine Gael)
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155. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he will introduce the Gaeltacht scholarship scheme for teachers wishing to attend Gaeltacht courses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28329/14]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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The 20 year Strategy for the Irish Language 2010 -2030 contains a number of actions relating to improving the quality of Irish Teaching which need further consideration including the introduction of a Gaeltacht scholarship scheme for primary school teachers to attend intensive Gaeilge courses in the Gaeltacht. This Government is committed to supporting the overall thrust of 20 Year Strategy for the Irish Language 2010-2030 and will deliver on the achievable goals and targets proposed in line with available resources.