Cian O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay North, Social Democrats)
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I thank the Minister for pointing me to the definition of "Gaeltacht" on page 30. That reinforces the point I made as the definition of a Gaeltacht is "a Gaeltacht area within the meaning of the Gaeltacht Act 2012" which refers to Gaeltacht areas in existence before 2012. Also listed in the definitions is "a Gaeltacht language planning area". My amendments seek to include the bailte seirbhíse Gaeltachta, the Gaeltacht service towns, and the líonraí Gaeilge. In that sense, my amendments are trying to update and reflect the situation. The 2012 Gaeltacht Act is absolutely relevant and pertinent, but that needs to be taken on board. There is a strong case for it. We are only talking about where there are service towns, líonraí Gaeilge and Gaeltacht language planning areas. It makes sense in those situations for the Department and State bodies to be in this prescribed list because the development plans have an impact on the promotion of the language, as has been the subject of all our discussion this afternoon.

The amendments I am putting forward here absolutely do stand. I ask that they are considered.