Kieran O'Donnell (Limerick City, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

We would like to take that away and look at it. We will come to this, but I am saying we are open to looking at it. To deal with the issues in the round, in respect of the language and linguistic impact statements, we must have a structured approach. The Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media is responsible for the Irish language in terms of a Government context. We are working with that Department. It must bring forward the methodology around the format of linguistic impact statements. However, there is nothing to stop local authorities from putting these measures into their development plans, if they wish to do so. It is not a legal requirement but there is nothing to stop them from doing it in a practical sense. We would hope to get those statements out as fast as possible. They would then go, in draft form, for public consultation. They may afterwards need to go to the EU or they may not. This is a process. Ultimately, the best way to implement policy is by way of guidelines. We have the 2022 guidelines which provide for special mention in terms of Gaeltacht areas. We are working with the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media on specific planning guidelines for Gaeltacht areas to ensure consistency of approach nationwide. Under this planning legislation, they will ultimately lead to national planning statements. This is our view. I believe this covers the substance of most of the points made.

Deputy Ó Broin also referred to local need. This would be covered in detail for Gaeltacht areas under the planning guidelines we are working on with the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media. Each local authority in its development plan, however, can apply whatever interpretation it takes in this context. The Deputy referred to the example of a teacher. If a teacher moves into an area, many of the local authorities will interpret this in respect of their having a need in the area. This is down to the development plan of the individual local authority. In terms of process, it is currently being worked on between our Department and the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media. This work will result in the creation of guidelines. Regarding the language impact assessment, the methodology in this regard is the preserve of the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media. Obviously, there is a need to have something structured and that works with the Gaeltacht areas. It is important this is done right. It is an element of these planning guidelines for the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media. As I said, we would hope to progress them as quickly as possible.