Violet-Anne Wynne (Clare, Sinn Fein)
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242. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the status of a Gaeltacht college (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47974/21]

Jack Chambers (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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On my recent visit to Clare, I got the opportunity to hear in general about development plans for the college to which the Deputy refers, which is recognised as one of seven residential summer colleges for the purposes of funding under my Department's Scéim na bhFoghlaoimeoirí Gaeilge.

I understand that the college authorities are in the process of undertaking a feasibility study with a view to making a formal application for capital funding under my Department's Clár Tacaíochtaí Pobail agus Teanga.

I also understand that the college authority were in communication with a number of other potential funding organisations.

While my Department has not received a funding application to date, the Deputy may be assured that any such application for assistance under the aforementioned programme - encompassing a business plan which aligns with the requirements set out in the Public Spending Code - will receive careful consideration in the context of competing priorities and available resources.

The Deputy may also be assured that officials from my Department remain available to the college authorities if they require further guidance or advice in advancing matters.