Peadar Tóibín (Meath West, Sinn Fein)
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1130. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the amount of naíonraí operating here; and the number of children attending same. [24638/18]

Katherine Zappone (Dublin South West, Independent)
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A Naíonra is defined as a playgroup run through Irish for children (aged 3-5 years), who attend daily for 2-3 hours, under the guidance and supervision of a Stiúrthóir (Leader).

Research indicates that children make significant advances in Irish language development during their time in a Naíonra, which leads to increased use of Irish in their homes as their parents try to help them acquire the language.

Officials from my Department contacted Pobal who confirmed that, currently, there are 228 childcare services that identify as Naíonraí on the PIP system. Since the start of the current programme year a total of 10,475 children have registered for supports at these services.