Aontú calls for expansion of Gaeltacht scholarships

Aontú’s deputy leader Gemma Brolly has called on Government to include greater funding for Gaeltacht sponsorships in the upcoming Budget.

Brolly, an Irish teacher, said “the chance to spend time in an Irish-speaking area with your peers is an opportunity that should be available to all students across the country regardless of their family’s financial situation.”

“Currently the State runs a scholarship scheme for those who can’t afford the fees, but there are fewer than 1,000 places available.”

Brolly has called on Government to heed Conradh Na Gaeilge’s calls to increase the number of spaces available to students.

“Ministers Catherine Martin and Norma Foley need to put their heads together and ensure that Budget 2024 does something for the preservation and development of our native tongue.”

Brolly pointed to the Gaeltacht hosts who saw little to no visitors during the Covid-19 pandemic as beneficiaries of the expansion.

“It must be remembered too that many Mná and Fir an Tí were left stranded during the pandemic with little support. Further investment and expansion of the scholarship scheme would be a win-win situation for everyone”, she said.

“There can be no doubt that the experience of going to the Gaeltacht when in school can be life-changing – it makes learning the Irish language fun and enjoyable, while also encouraging the local economy in remote parts of our island.”