Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 31: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if progress has been made on the development of a 20 year strategic plan for the Irish language; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31199/06]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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As I have already indicated in response to similar Questions in this House, 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 been recognised as a key issue and very real progress has recently been made to significantly advance this issue.

It should also be noted, of course, that meaningful and significant advances, in line with recommendations made in the Gaeltacht Commission's Report in 2002 and in the context of the continuing implementation of the Official Languages Act, continue to be made. As the Deputy will be aware, noteworthy progress has also been achieved regarding the status of Irish in the European Union. A number of new initiatives continue to be implemented 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 measures continue to further consolidate the language. The Deputy will also be aware that significant resources continue to be made available to support the work of Foras na Gaeilge in promoting Irish on an all-island basis.