Brian O'Shea (Waterford, Labour)
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Question 307: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the position regarding the work of the Irish Language Forum; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7559/05]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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The Deputy will be aware that the role of Fóram na Gaeilge is to advise me on: the advisability of preparing a 20-year strategic plan with realistic goals for the Irish language in the State; the short-term strategic priorities for the preservation and the promotion of the Irish language within the State; the priorities regarding the implementation of the Official Languages Act; and the best and most practical ways to achieve progress in the implementation of that work. Arising from this, it is hoped to have a more integrated approach among the main community and State organisations that promote the Irish language and a greater degree of co-ordination to their work.

Two meetings of Fóram na Gaeilge have taken place to date and a third is scheduled to take place later this month. As the Deputy is aware, I have already asked members to submit their views on the development of an Irish language plan and related short-term priority issues. A good response to this has been received from the members and officials of my Department are currently examining the various submissions.