Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)

I think the Deputy has got the drift of it, more or less. This, in itself, does not need legislation. Contracts have been given out for the first part of the rural social scheme, which is already being operated by Údarás na Gaeltachta, so it is obvious that no legislation will be needed for the second part of the scheme. Basically, we have given a contract to a group to run the scheme over a fixed period of time. When that contract comes to an end, we intend to agree the next contract with Údarás na Gaeltachta only. Some details of that have yet to be worked out.

We have explained this openly. As I wanted to make sure the two relevant parties were absolutely clear about what I was doing, I met representatives of both of them last Friday. When I met the board of Údarás na Gaeltachta in its offices, I discussed the whole issue and outlined the Department's vision for the future of Údarás na Gaeltachta. I reminded those present of the original concept that led to the establishment of Údarás na Gaeltachta. It was set up as a Gaeltacht authority, comprising local elected representatives, with a wide range of powers. The members of the board seemed very positive about my plans. I can give the Deputy a copy of the statement they issued after the meeting, which outlined their views on what I had said to them.

I also had a meeting with the board of Meitheal Forbartha na Gaeltachta in the presence of the board of Údarás na Gaeltachta. When one meets the two boards together, one suddenly realises that Údarás na Gaeltachta is represented on the board of Meitheal Forbartha na Gaeltachta. Four of those who attended the first meeting as representatives of Údarás na Gaeltachta attended the second meeting wearing two hats. In addition, one of the staff members of Údarás na Gaeltachta is on the board of Meitheal Forbartha na Gaeltachta. The two boards are not totally separate. There are strong ties between them.

I explained the direction of my policy in this regard in some detail. I argued that the Gaeltacht needs a single strong statutory authority that runs a wide range of projects. That is what was envisaged by those who fought strenuously for the establishment of Údarás na Gaeltachta in the first instance. That is exactly what I intend to do.

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