Barry Ward (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)

Gabhaim buíochas leis an Aire. Mar is eol dó, aontaím go hiomlán leis an ráiteas atá ann sa chlár Rialtais, go háirithe maidir le rudaí trí mheán na Gaeilge. Tá sé sin thar a bheith tábhachtach.

We know as well that through the Official Languages Act, there is now an obligation on State agencies to produce at least 20% of their advertising through the Irish language. That is something we hear on the radio and see on the television every day. It has created a tangible improvement for those who wish to live their lives through or experience the Irish language. They can now see it on a day-to-day basis beyond the likes of Raidió na Gaeltachta and TG4. That is important.

Is there specific monitoring of the outputs? The investment is really important and I welcome what the Minister has said and the commitments. I hope there will be more in the budget next week. Is there specific monitoring of how that money is being spent and can we see the corresponding outturn at the end, particularly in respect of streaming services beyond national broadcaster services?

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