Posted:
The Minister said,
The decision by the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht to cancel the Gaeltacht courses this year is an appropriate one in current circumstances. But it is nonetheless a decision which will impact upon the Irish Language Community, the Gaeltacht colleges and the local economies.
I have therefore taken the decision to extend the 2020 Líofa Gaeltacht Bursary scheme into 2021. Successful applicants from the 2020 scheme will be given the chance to attend the summer colleges next year instead. Deposits will be paid to Irish Language colleges in the current year in order to secure available places. This will also help the colleges to meet their administrative costs. I have asked my officials to explore options for further supporting the learning of Irish through Líofa and through partnership work with Foras.
Notes to Editors
- The Líofa Gaeltacht Bursary Scheme was launched by the Department in 2011. This year 100 successful applicants have been awarded a bursary to attend a full board summer college course in the Donegal Gaeltacht.
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