Breeda Moynihan-Cronin (Kerry South, Labour)
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Question 113: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the main points of his recent speech given at the Why Irish international symposium at Notre Dame University; if his speech considered the best way the Irish language can be maintained and developed into the future; the details of the conference; if it produced a final report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30703/05]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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The symposium in Notre Dame was a significant occasion, which attracted an audience from across the United States and speakers from a number of distinguished universities in that country. Irish is taught in 25 universities in the USA and the attendance at the conference reflected that high level of interest in the language there. My speech looked at the history of the Irish language, its value as the oldest spoken and written language in Europe north of the Alps and as part of the common cultural heritage of all humanity. My speech also covered the measures currently under way to strengthen the future of the language, including the implementation of the Official Languages Act and securing of status as an official and working EU language.

At the conference I announced the launch of a special fund of €300,000 that will support the development of Irish language programmes in third level institutions overseas. I gave further details on this fund in my reply to Question No. 92 of today. While it is a matter for the organisers of the conference rather than myself, I understand that the proceedings of the conference will be published and I will be pleased to arrange to have a copy supplied to the Deputy in due course.