It was announced yesterday that Government Chief Whip and Minister of State for the Irish Language, the Gaeltacht and the Islands, Joe McHugh T.D., has sanctioned funding of €190,729 for the Ireland Canada University Foundation for the 2017/18 academic year to continue the education exchange programme between Ireland and Canada.
The objective of the Ireland Canada University Foundation is to assist students from Ireland and Canada who wish to spend time continuing their studies in the Irish language. This funding is being provided in accordance with the objectives of the 20-Year Strategy for the Irish Language 2010-2030.
The funding will assist with the living costs of the Irish-language tutors from this country who have been appointed in Canadian institutions for the 2017/18 academic year and to present Irish-language awards to Canadian students coming to Ireland next summer to attend an intensive Irish-language course in Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge in An Cheathrú Rua.
Announcing the grant, the Minister of State said, "I’m in a position to continue that funding and inform the Canadian academic community about the Irish language and about the rich heritage associated with it as one of the oldest native languages still being spoken in Europe. This is also a wonderful opportunity for the students who attend the Irish courses in the Gaeltacht to actively participate in local life and get a taste of this living culture, both old and new."
Source: www.businessworld.ie
