Cian O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay North, Social Democrats) | Oireachtas source

Specifically on amendment No. 351, in my name and related to the obligation to prepare a strategy on economic development, the Minister has referred us to the obligation to prepare a strategy related to the creation, improvement and preservation of sustainable places and communities. Section 46(2)(b), which refers to the protection of the linguistic and cultural heritage, including the protection of Irish as the community language, of Gaeltacht areas in the functional area to which the development plan relates, is prescriptive and entirely appropriate. However, while it is appropriate to have a reference to strategies on the preservation of sustainable places and communities, the economic development of Gaeltacht areas is crucial to their thriving over time. Therefore, strategies on economic development in Gaeltacht areas, where relevant, should be sought. This makes eminent sense. If economic development were somehow peripheral or not relevant, this would not be the case. Section 46(2)(b) just does not cover what is required because it is not related to economic development. It is a good example of how a reference to strategies for economic development should be written. Economic development is the heartbeat of any community. Without it, a community does not thrive. Therefore, if we want flourishing, thriving Gaeltacht communities, economic development is crucial. What the Minister pointed us to is a really good example of how to achieve this, but there is a need to incorporate a reference to strategies related to economic development, not just a reference to the sustainable communities aspect, which is also important.