James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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177. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if an allowance will be reinstated for students studying primary school teaching that must complete Irish language training in An Gaeltacht; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4092/20]

Joe McHugh (Donegal, Fine Gael)
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The Gaeltacht placement for student teachers in primary Initial Teacher Education is really important as an immersive Irish language experience. It is improves their communicative competence in Gaeilge, in the context of their future role as teachers of Irish and other subjects through Irish. It also enhances their understanding of life and culture in the Gaeltacht and the reality of life in bilingual communities. That is why the Teaching Council has made the placement compulsory for all student teachers at primary to graduate.

I have been very much aware of the challenge for students around the cost of the Gaeltacht placement and so, as part of Budget 2020, I announced the restoration of the Gaeltacht grant for students in State-funded primary initial teacher education (ITE) programmes, with effect from the academic year 2020/2021, at an estimated full year annual cost of €1.8 million.

My officials are currently considering the most appropriate process for administering the payment of the grant.