Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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Question 131: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the progress made in negotiations with the European Commission regarding the status of the Irish language in the European Union; if he envisages movement on this issue during the Luxembourg Presidency of the EU; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2766/05]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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On 24 November, the Government tabled a formal proposal in Brussels requesting that official and working status in the EU be accorded to the Irish language. A copy has been forwarded to the Deputies.

The proposal outlines a practical way to enhance the standing of Irish in the EU. We are proposing that certain key EU legislation, adopted jointly by the Council and the European Parliament, would be translated into Irish. The possibility of extending the range of documents to be translated into Irish would be the subject of a review to take place not later than four years after the adoption of this proposal.

The amendment of Regulation 1 of 1958, which governs the Union's language regime, requires the unanimous approval of partners. We are continuing discussions with the other EU member states and EU institutions on this complex and sensitive issue. The outcome and length of negotiations on this matter cannot be predicted with any certainty. However, we are determined to try to make early progress on this matter.