Malcolm Noonan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

At the outset, I point out there has already been significant discussion in regard to the Irish language and Gaeltacht areas. More than 160 amendments have been discussed to date in regard to the Irish language and Gaeltacht matters as they relate to national planning statements, national planning policy statements, development plans and planning applications. This group deals with a further 35 amendments on the same themes in regard to regional assemblies and regional spatial and economic strategies.

Commitments have already been given on Committee Stage to bring forward an amendment on Report Stage to provide that local authorities will be able to prepare priority area plans for both Gaeltacht areas and islands to address some of the concerns raised by Deputy O'Callaghan. We will bring forward amendments on Report Stage to ensure there is appropriate consultation at all levels of plan-making with Údarás na Gaeltachta and other bodies such as Foras na Gaeilge and An Coimisinéir Teanga, where appropriate. The importance of the Irish language in the Gaeltacht is fully acknowledged by all but on the basis of the commitments already given and the previous significant debates on these matters, I do not think it necessary to debate all of these amendments in detail. If the Deputies wish, I will speak specifically to the amendments but I will not be accepting any of them.