Josepha Madigan (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I do not accept what the Deputy states. The €1.2 billion capital investment plan, which we launched earlier in the year, is an unprecedented plan. It relates to cultural heritage and the Gaeltacht. It is the tripartite of all those different sectors. It is absolutely unprecedented. I do not think there has ever been a spend of such significance in this area. That is well acknowledged. The announcement was made at the launch with the Taoiseach, the Minister for Finance and the Minister of State, Deputy McHugh. I do not think we should take 2008 as a benchmark. I assume that is the benchmark. We all know what happened. I do not think we should look at it in that context. I am very pleased with the amount of money - €178 million - going into the Irish language. It will create 1,000 jobs in the Gaeltacht each year, supported through Údarás na Gaeltachta. We have the Bliain na Gaeilge, which has been mentioned, this year. We have support for the island communities. It is hoped that a flagship language and cultural centre and hub will be developed in Dublin city. Help is being given to the Aran Islands and Tory Island, etc. I think it is unprecedented because it is a ten-year plan. It is limited to the national planning framework as well.