Jack Chambers (Dublin West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

In line with the 20-year strategy for the Irish language and Foras na Gaeilge's understanding of best practice in promoting the Irish language it is recognised that there should be an emphasis on long-term, strategic language planning. Preliminary consultation meetings were held by Foras na Gaeilge, in conjunction with Conradh na Gaeilge and Glór na nGael, with stakeholders in 2019. Other preliminary meetings were held in June this year, which were attended by more than 80 people, on the recommendations of a consultation document.

The criteria of the scheme will be based on the main language planning areas and on language planning principles, including the areas criteria in use by Foras na Gaeilge for the Irish language networks in the North and by the Government in the South for the language planning process. I might go into further detail on that when I come back in but as the Deputy will know from the budgetary allocation for the entire Gaeltacht area, it is an expansionary budget to support the Irish language and the language planning officers. Fears of cuts are mislaid. I know in the Deputy's county of Mayo, where I have many family members, the importance of the language planning system. We are working to try to put a long-term framework around that through Foras na Gaeilge.

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