Fianna Fáil Deputy Leader and Spokesperson on Rural, Community, and Gaeltacht Affairs Dara Calleary TD has said Coláistí Samhraidh Ghaeltachta must be financially supported.
Deputy Calleary made the comments following confirmation from the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht that no Irish language courses would go ahead this summer due to the emergency measures being taken due to Covid-19.
"Due to the necessary public health measures it has been confirmed that the Irish summer colleges will not take place this summer. This will come as a big blow to those in the Gaeltacht areas that depend on the economic benefit from students attending the Irish language courses.
"The Department must support these colleges to ensure they have a future long after this pandemic has passed. They are a vital resource in continuing the teaching of our native language and culture.
"Summer colleges provide a very important economic benefit to Gaeltacht areas, and if they do not go ahead, there will be a large financial loss to these communities.
"Now the colleges are postponed, the Department must examine all financial avenues to support the mná tí, na coistí and coláistí themselves to cater for losses that will be sustained,” concluded Deputy Calleary.
