Pádraic McCormack (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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Question 49: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the progress made to date in relation to the development of a national strategy for the Irish language; if he has satisfied himself regarding the slow progress made in relation to same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22863/06]

Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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Question 64: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he intends that the promised clear statement by the Government on the role and importance of the Irish language will be published before Dáil Éireann rises for the summer 2006 recess; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22742/06]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 49 and 64 together.

As I have already indicated in response to similar Questions in this House, the need for the development of a clear statement on the part of the Government in relation to the Irish language and its importance as a whole has emerged as a key issue in the deliberations of Fóram na Gaeilge thus far and considerable work is in hand in order to further advance this important issue. I hope to be in a position to elaborate further on this matter in the near future.

Meaningful and significant advances have continued to be made to further strengthen the position of Irish since the publication of the Gaeltacht Commission's Report in 2002 and the commencement of the implementation of the Official Languages Act. Substantial advances have also been secured regarding the status of Irish in the European Union. A number of new initiatives have been introduced in Gaeltacht areas, including the development of public awareness measures aimed at the Gaeltacht community in particular, as well as the continuing roll out of the language planning initiative. These practical initiatives, as well as further measures being taken in co-operation with Údarás na Gaeltachta, will help to further consolidate the position of Irish as a community language in the Gaeltacht. The Deputies will also appreciate that significant resources continue to be made available to support the work of Foras na Gaeilge in promoting Irish on an all-island basis.