Pádraic McCormack (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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Question 80: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he is satisfied with the situation whereby 57% of people recently surveyed were found not to have an ability to speak Irish; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7726/07]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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I assume that the figure quoted by the Deputy is derived from recently available Census results. As the Deputy will be aware, interpretation of any such figures must take account of a range of factors, including population increase, levels of immigration, etc. I understand that analysis by the CSO of data relating to Irish language competence in 2004 indicated that 36.7% of the population over the age of 3 did not have such competence, while 38.7% of the population were reported as speaking Irish on a daily basis.

The Government's policy is to increase awareness and use of the Irish language as a Community language on a phased basis. Its specific aim is to ensure that as many of our citizens as possible are bilingual in Irish and in English. The intention is not to displace the English language but to strengthen the Irish language. In many European countries, it is a normal occurrence that people are bilingual. The vision for Ireland is similar, with both English and Irish being widely used on a daily basis throughout the country.

As I have already outlined to the House, the Government published a Statement on the Irish Language on 19 December last. The Government's position with regard to the promotion and development of the Irish language is set out in that Statement. The Statement also commits the Government to the development of a twenty-year strategy based on the 13 objectives outlined in the Statement. I have indicated the arrangements that have been made in relation to the preparation of such a strategy and these matters are currently being addressed.