Written answers

Thursday, 16 February 2006

Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs

Irish Language

5:00 pm

Jerry Cowley (Mayo, Independent)
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Question 177: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the reason he has instructed that a comprehensive linguistic study be carried out on Gaeltacht areas; if he has preliminary results of the Mayo area; if he intends to redefine the Gaeltacht areas; if his Department will use the study to re-establish spoken Irish in areas which have lapsed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6148/06]

Photo of Éamon Ó CuívÉamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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The linguistic study of Irish language usage in the Gaeltacht, which commenced in April 2004 and is scheduled for completion in September 2006, was recommended by the consultative committee established by me to advise on the actions necessary to facilitate the practical implementation of the various recommendations contained in the report of Coimisiún na Gaeltachta. The 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 examining Irish language usage in the Gaeltacht as a basis for strengthening the linguistic development of the Gaeltacht as an Irish-speaking area and a review of the official Gaeltacht boundaries.

It would be premature to make assumptions at this time as to the precise findings and recommendations that will emerge from this study regarding the issue of the Gaeltacht boundaries in general or in specific Gaeltacht areas. As I have already outlined to the House, any proposals regarding the Gaeltacht boundaries that may emerge from the study will receive detailed and careful examination by my Department before being put before Government in due course.

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