Liz McManus (Wicklow, Labour)
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Question 51: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs his plans to increase funding for the joint language planning strategy between his Department and Údarás na Gaeltachta announced in 2004; his views on whether the €1.5 million budget is sufficient to allow this strategy to be fulfilled; if he will lobby for increased funds for this joint initiative; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16669/05]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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On foot of recommendations contained in the report of Coimisiún na Gaeltachta, I approved an initial provision of €1.56 million over three years —€520,000 per annum — for the language planning initiative to which the Deputy refers. This was intended to allow for a pilot programme under which an annual grant of up to a maximum of €130,000 would be available to four suitably qualified community based Gaeltacht organisations over a three year period to assist in the preparation and implementation of Irish language plans within their areas of operation.

Following a public call for applications, a process of assessment according to set criteria was carried out in co-operation with Údarás na Gaeltachta. Five groups were selected following this process and annual funding ranging from €70,000 to €110,000 has been allocated to the respective groups depending on their own anticipated expenditure. The €1.56 million budget is sufficient to allow for the full implementation of the pilot phase of the initiative. The provision of further funding will depend on the success of the initiative in meeting the goals set out in the various plans.