Fine Gael broadly supports the goals of the strategy in aiming to deliver a greater engagement with the Irish language but we believe a resurgence of the language must be brought about through real reform in our education system. The strategy is relatively low on targets and there are no clear indications as to what it will cost or when it will be implemented. As the Minister noted, progressing the strategy would appear to be completely at odds with what the Government is actually doing in this area. The capital investment programme has been slashed, which will undoubtedly have an impact on the possibility of delivering on the strategy's objectives. The Údarás elections have been postponed for at least two years, with the perception that this is denying the people of the Gaeltacht their right to democratic representation. While the Minister clarified this to an extent, the people of the Gaeltacht are worried these have not taken place. Overall, I hope this report does not end up on the shelf, gathering dust, as many reports have. The Minister has my full commitment to working with him to implement the strategy.

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