Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 152: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he supports the development of a national strategy for the Irish language; the steps he has taken to progress this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4382/06]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy is aware, the views of the members of Fóram na Gaeilge on the development of an Irish language plan and related short-term priority issues were sought in 2005 in the context of the advisory capacity assigned to the group, and work on these matters is continuing.

As I have already explained in response to similar questions in the House, the matter of the advisability of a 20-year strategic plan for the Irish language has been amongst the issues which have been considered in general terms by Fóram na Gaeilge in its deliberations thus far.

The need for the development and provision of a clear statement on the part of the Government in regard to the Irish language and its importance as a whole has emerged as a key issue in this context and considerable work has been done of late to progress this matter. I hope to be in a position to elaborate further on this matter in the near future.