Written answers

Wednesday, 28 April 2021

Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht

Covid-19 Pandemic

Photo of Michael McNamaraMichael McNamara (Clare, Independent)
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330. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if the Gaeltacht colleges will reopen in summer 2021 for second year secondary students who are booked in from 7 June 2021 for a period of three weeks; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22094/21]

Photo of Jack ChambersJack Chambers (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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In the context of my Department’s role in supporting the Irish Language Summer Colleges' sector and in order to provide clarity insofar as possible in the current circumstance regarding the general COVID-19 safety measures required on the part of key players in the sector, my Department published draft COVID-19 Guidelines for the sector last week.

These guidelines are primarily aimed at the directors of the Irish Colleges and the qualifying Gaeltacht households who provide accommodation to students attending any of the 40 or so accredited Gaeltacht colleges.

These guidelines are subject at all times to change on foot of emerging circumstances, regulations and overall public health advice. The guidance is, therefore, a live draft document.

My officials and I recently engaged in stakeholder consultation with representatives of the households that provide accommodation to the students and a meeting was also held by my officials with the representative body of the Gaeltacht summer colleges, CONCOS, in order to hear their views and suggestions on the draft guidelines.

The discussions also served to inform both me and my officials as to whether it would be possible or prudent to seek to organise courses in the current and anticipated circumstances.

I am very grateful to all those who participated in the consultation process.  It was an important and useful exercise to hear directly from key stakeholders about their shared concerns.   

It remains to be seen whether the Irish Language Summer Colleges will be able to proceed this year due to the ever-changing COVID-19 situation.  My Department continues to monitor developments with a view to making a final decision shortly  in consultation with stakeholders and in the best interests of all concerned.

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