Josepha Madigan (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I can confirm that. The majority of Government committed funding will flow over 2019 and 2020 with the remaining amount to be provided in 2021. These final funding figures will be agreed with me in the current period. It is difficult to answer all the Deputy's questions given the time constraints. I can provide her with a full written response to her questions. I appreciate and understand her concerns. I want Galway 2020 to be a success. Robust structures have to be put in place and I am determined that will be the case.

Senior management of Galway 2020 are in the process of finalising a job specification for the Irish language officer which will issue shortly. The recruitment of an Irish language officer is part of the delivery phase of the programme currently progressing. The bid book, which sets out the planned programme for the year as part of Ireland's bid to the European Commission for the European Capital of Culture, identified language as one of its three key themes. As Irish is a key element of Galway's cultural identity, it is important that the project has an Irish language officer. The process to appoint the officer is taking place. It is also important to note that the EU has a monitoring role and regularly monitors expenditure on the success of Galway 2020.

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