Willie O'Dea (Limerick City, Fianna Fail)
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380. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if she will consider allowing students of a third-level institution (details supplied) to apply for the Gaeltacht grant to cover fees to attend mandatory Gaeltacht placements for those studying primary teaching, particularly in light of the cost-of-living increases faced by these students; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10232/23]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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There are four state-funded higher education institutions (HEIs) providing primary initial teacher education (ITE) and one independent private provider of primary ITE.

The current requirements for Gaeltacht Learning Periods (GLPs) for primary Initial Teacher Education (ITE) programmes takes the form of 2 x 2 week placements, which are outlined in the Teaching Council’s Céim: Standards for Initial Teacher Education.

Budget 2020 provided for the re-instatement of the grant to cover the full cost of the Gaeltacht Learning Periods (GLPs) for undergraduate and post-graduate students in State-funded primary ITE programmes, with effect from the 2020/2021 academic year.  The grant was previously funded by my Department up to the 2012/2013 academic year, when it was ceased due to financial constraints.  The rate of student grant for 2023 has been set at an average of €815.  This will cover the cost of the undertaking the fortnightly course in 2023. This grant will be made available for undergraduate and post-graduate students in State-funded primary Initial Teacher Education (ITE) programmes.