Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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128. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills his views on an increase in funding (details supplied) to reflect the real costs in running post-primary island schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45109/17]

Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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My Department recognises the very important role played by the island schools in maintaining the communities and culture of the islands, and is strongly committed to the maintenance of the schools on the islands. It is for this reason and in recognition of challenges that the Department already provides additional supports to schools on the islands.

The Department’s Policy on Gaeltacht Education 2017-2022 aims to support the use of Irish as the main language of Gaeltacht communities through the provision of high quality Irish-medium education in Gaeltacht schools. Under the terms of the Policy, additional resources are being provided to Gaeltacht schools that have opted to participate in the Gaeltacht School Recognition Scheme. These resources include dedicated continuing professional development (CPD), which is currently being made available to schools. Inspectorate advisory visits are also being carried out to support schools’ action-planning to strengthen the quality of educational provision through Irish and to increase the use of Irish in the school community. Further supports and resources will be made available to schools participating in the Scheme in 2018 following the approval of schools’ action plans.

In Budget 2018, over €1 million will be provided to continue the roll-out in 2018 of the Policy on Gaeltacht Education 2017-2022. The issues raised by the Deputy will be considered by the Department in the context of the Department’s Policy on Gaeltacht Education 2017-2022 and the competing demands for available resources.