Press release
Minister of State Calleary announces that Gaeltacht summer camps can go ahead
From Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media
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From Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media
Published on
Last updated on
Dara Calleary TD, Government Chief Whip and the Minister of State for the Gaeltacht, the Irish Language and Sport today announced (2nd July) that summer camps can go ahead in the Gaeltacht under certain restrictions due to Covid-19. He announced this after his appointment yesterday as Minister of State for the Gaeltacht, the Irish Language and Sport.
There was uncertainty surrounding whether or not summer camps could be held or not in the Gaeltacht at all as a result of the pandemic, but after careful consideration by the Department along with interested parties, Muintearas – who administer the scheme under the remit of Údarás na Gaeltachta – will be able to go ahead with organising the summer camps under the Summer Camp Scheme.
Among the additional conditions which must be put in place, camp organisers will have to implement strict Covid-19 protocols and only outdoor camps will be acceptable.
Minister of State Calleary said: “I am delighted personally, and of course for the Gaeltacht community, that the summer camps can go ahead this summer – with understandable restrictions in place in the interest of public health. My Department’s Summer Camp Scheme provides an excellent opportunity for young people in the Gaeltacht to take part in enjoyable events together each summer in an environment in which Irish is spoken – which is of benefit to both the young people and to the Irish language. We all understand the unique challenges facing young people at present as a result of the pandemic and, as such, it is very important that the summer camp organisers follow the additional guidelines which are in place this year due to Covid-19.”
As an additional support TG4 are broadcasting two television series at the moment for the young people: Campaí Cúla4 kicked off on the 29th of June and is broadcast daily from 10:00 until 10:30 am – with the support of the Department and Foras na Gaeilge; in addition, Cúl Camps is broadcast from 10:30 until 11:00 am (in partnership with GAA/Kellogs). It is understood that these programmes are repeated daily in the afternoon and that they can also be found on youtube/TG4.
The Summer Camp Scheme is administered with funding support from the Department as part of the Government’s 2018-2022 Action Plan for the Irish language.