Kerry councillors call for double the Gaeltacht DEIS scholarships

Radio Kerry reported that local councillors are urging the Minister for the Gaeltacht to double the number of DEIS scholarships available for the Kerry Gaeltacht. Sinn Féin councillor Paul Daly put forward the motion during a recent full meeting of Kerry County Council. [1]

According to Radio Kerry, Councillor Daly requested that the government increase the grant coverage for eligible students from 85 percent to 100 percent. He also called for larger incentives for Irish language host families, known as Bean an Tí. Fianna Fáil councillor Fionnán Fitzgerald seconded the motion, stating that the change would be very positive for local communities. [1]

As FTMQ News reported earlier, the Irish government first officially recognized Gaeltacht districts during the 1920s. Recent research shows that housing pressures have created growing concerns for the future of the West Kerry Irish-speaking region. [3][4]