Joe Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)
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Question 76: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs when in 2006 it is expected that the linguistic study on the use of Irish in the Gaeltacht will be completed; his views on whether it is realistic to expect that legislation arising from this study will be enacted during the lifetime of this Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36945/05]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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The linguistic study of Irish language usage in the Gaeltacht to which the Deputy refers commenced in April 2004 and is scheduled for completion in September 2006. This important study, which is being conducted on behalf of my Department by Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge, University of Ireland, Galway, in conjunction with the National Institute for Regional and Spatial Analysis, University of Ireland, Maynooth, is therefore well under way.

Given the complex nature of the subject matter, the Deputy will appreciate that it would be impossible to presuppose what precise findings and recommendations regarding the issue of the Gaeltacht boundaries will emerge from this study. As I have already outlined to the House, any proposals regarding the redefining of the boundaries that may emerge from the study will receive detailed and careful examination by my Department before being put before Government in due course.