Eoghan Kenny (Cork North-Central, Labour)
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271. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he will commit to increasing the percentage of Irish-language courses at third level to 5% within the next five years, in order to ensure the success of the Government’s 2030 goal of 20% of the public sector working through Irish; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14560/25]

James Lawless (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
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Our higher education system plays an important role in supporting and promoting the use of the Irish language. This will undoubtedly support efforts to increase the use of Irish in the public sector workforce.

The Higher Education Authority Act 2022 highlights the importance of the Irish language by placing a responsibility on the Higher Education Authority (HEA) to ensure that higher education institutions (HEIs) promote and use the language. My Department, through the HEA, also provides ring-fenced funding to this end. However, it should be noted that HEIs are autonomous in their Irish language strategies, including the provision and expansion of university courses offered through the Irish language.

Funding of €900,000 is provided annually by my Department to support greater use of the Irish language by students and staff in our HEIs. This funding is allocated through the HEA as block grants, allowing institutions fund their own Irish-language initiatives.

The HEA also distributes funding for the development of Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge at the University of Galway. My Department contributes €1.8 million annually to this, with additional funding coming from the Department of the Gaeltacht.

Additionally, the HEA sponsors the Gníomhaí Gaeilge initiative and has provided €150,000 in funding over the last three years to develop Irish language skills among students in Irish language clubs and societies through mentorship and training, in partnership with the Union of Students in Ireland and Conradh na Gaeilge.

In conclusion, the continued support and promotion of the Irish language within higher education is vital to its growth and presence in both academic and public sector contexts. Through the Higher Education Authority and various funding initiatives, my Department is committed to ensuring that higher education institutions have the resources and autonomy to integrate the Irish language into their offerings and campus life. By fostering an environment where Irish is actively used and developed, we can strengthen its role in the public sphere and contribute to its long-term sustainability.