Gaeltacht communities must be supported until students can safely return to summer colleges, according to Social Democrats TD Gary Gannon.
“Is cúis díomá go bhfuil fógartha inniu nach mbeadh daltaí ag teacht chun na Gaeltachta don dara uair as a chéile, toisc an Choróinvíris. Cé go dtuigeann muid na cúiseanna taobh thiar den gcinneadh seo, tá muid ag súil go dtabharfar an tacaíocht chuí do mhná tí agus earnáil uile na gcoláistí samhraidh, ionas nach mbeidh na pobail Gaeltachta agus aitiúla i gcruachás arís eile.
“De gnáth, is sruth ioncaim lárnach do mhuintir na Gaeltachta é rath na gcoláistí samhraidh, agus ní féidir leis an Rialtas neamhaird a thabhairt don mbrú ar a bheidh ar theaghlaigh na mban tí agus eile, toisc easpa na ndaltaí arís i mbliana.
“It is disappointing to learn of the announcement that students will not be returning to Gaeltacht summer colleges this year for the second year in a row, although it is understandable and right that health concerns take precedence at this time. That said, those who would be typically hosting students in the Gaeltacht must be supported financially in their absence, as the Gaeltacht colleges are usually an economic lifeline to local Irish-speaking communities, a fact which the Government cannot underestimate.
“Until students can safely return to the summer colleges, these communities must not be abandoned at such a vulnerable time.”
7 May, 2021
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