Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

The definition of "language plans" is to be found in the Irish language legislation. There is, therefore, a specific definition, so when we talk about "language plans", we are using a legal term rather than just a concept. This is worth looking at again. These are things to have regard to in the language plans. Some of the language plans might not be advanced enough to have any major effect on a national planning statement or a development plan. In other cases, they are very specific and have been worked out with experts in conjunction with the local authority, Údarás na Gaeltachta and Foras na Gaeilge, depending on their location.

Fáiltím roimh an gcinneadh atá glactha ag an Aire agus leis an gcomhrá atá ag tarlú anois idir an Roinn agus Banú, agus le meitheal tithíochta na Gaeltachta. Tréaslaím leo an obair a rinne siad chun an cheist seo a ardú agus tá súil agam go leanfaidh siad orthu go dtí go bhfuil tionchar – anuas ar an tionchar atá acu cheana féin - na leasaithe seo le feiceáil sa reachtaíocht. These amendments have managed to force the issue in some ways because it is now a live issue. A few years ago, there may not have been such a concern. This legislation is an opportunity to ensure this protection is provided.

As Deputy O' Callaghan said, we should consider these amendments around the national planning framework. I have to jump in and out as regards the other amendments because at this stage I do not know which ones we are focusing on. Are we focusing on all of them or on the group?