Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
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The DEIS Gaeltachtainitiative, which in essence is a social inclusion measure that aligns with the Department's strategic objectives in relation to the Irish language, was first introduced in 2019 to support post-primary students in DEIS students in attending recognised Irish summer colleges.

The programme has been further developed in recent times with the funding allocation for the scheme rising from €50,000 to €400,000 per annum for the period of 2022 – 2024. The measure currently provides scholarships to around 420 students annually.

The initiative is administered by Galway Roscommon Education and Training Board (GRETB) on behalf of the Department. The value of the scholarships are calculated as follows: 3-week course – up to a maximum of €850; 2-week course – 85%/€722 of the value of the scholarship or the listed price of the chosen course, whichever is the lower.

GRETB is currently processing applications in relation to 2023. Given the nature of the measure, figures regarding the breakdown of scholarship allocations for the current year will not be available until the autumn when summer courses have concluded.

Further information regarding the scheme and how it operates is available at gretb.ie/are-you-a-student-in-a-deis-post-primary-school/.