Written answers

Wednesday, 25 October 2017

Department of Education and Skills

Teacher Training Provision

Photo of Catherine MartinCatherine Martin (Dublin Rathdown, Green Party)
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81. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills his plans to reinstate support for student primary school teachers that are attending mandatory Gaeltacht courses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45008/17]

Photo of Richard BrutonRichard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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The decision to stop the Gaeltacht placement grants was taken during the economic crisis when, unfortunately, very difficult decisions had to be made to stabilise the nation's finances. Priority was given to protecting resources for front line education services as far as possible, which remains particularly challenging with rising numbers of school-going children. My Department does not have the funding available to restore this support.

It should be noted that, to assist with the costs of the Gaeltacht placement, students qualifying for a 100% fee grant, or who would have qualified for a full fee grant but for the Free Fees Schemes can apply for a field trip grant towards travel and accommodation costs , subject to the normal terms and conditions of the student grant scheme.

Apart from this, 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 each third level institution.

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