International demand for Irish language teachers soars

An international renaissance in Irish culture has seen a surging demand for Irish language teachers in US universities and colleges, a Government minister said today.

Eamon O' Cuiv said the teaching of the language and Celtic Studies at around 50 third level institutions overseas could help secure its future in a globalised world.

The Minister for Gaeltacht Affairs, speaking at City University in the Bronx, New York, revealed he was setting aside €660,000 for grants for Irish language teachers in the US because of the demand.

The public money will be channelled through the Fulbright Commission, which operates exchange programmes between Ireland and the US, for its Irish Language Awards.

"I personally believe that if, in 20 years time, we have 250,000 daily speakers of Irish the tide will have definitively turned," said Mr O' Cuiv.

"I can see of no reason other than lack of courage and leadership now why Irish will not remain alive as a spoken, community language in the new globalised world we have created."

The grants will be open to teaching assistants and scholars to teach at a number of US colleges and universities that offer Irish language classes.