Pat Carey (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)

I repeat that the strategy is a 20 year one. The next couple of years will be frugal, but I am sure that whatever Government is in power will put in enough money to roll out the initial phases of the strategy.

The unit is not a toothless talking shop. It is headed by an official at director level. She will be working with a team of people across the Department to ensure that the objectives of the strategy are implemented. It will not be a toothless tiger. It will make sure that the objectives are pursued and fulfilled across Departments. An Coimisinéir Teanga also has a role in this. The will be a high level committee of senior civil servants and the Cabinet committee on Gaeilge and the Gaeltacht will be there also. The implementation group is based in Furbo. The senior officials group has been in place for some time and is working on the drafts of the strategy, and there is also the Cabinet Committee on Gaeilge and the Gaeltacht.

Whether I am here or not, I will be disappointed if this approach is not continued. I think it will be. While the targets are ambitious, they are achievable.

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