Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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Question 10: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the up to date position regarding the strategic review in relation to the employment support work of Údarás na Gaeltachta with a view to identifying new strands of employment creation in Gaeltacht areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20985/07]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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The strategic review carried out by the Working Group on Employment Creation in the Gaeltacht contained a number of recommendations that focused on new strands of employment creation in the Gaeltacht.

Arising from this review and the development strategies of Údarás na Gaeltachta, significant progress has been made in reversing the downward employment trend in the Gaeltacht and in effecting the transition from a declining manufacturing sector to employment in the services sector.

Particular emphasis has been placed on maximising the potential of indigenous resources, the promotion of new training and educational initiatives and the provision of third-level courses through the medium of Irish in the Gaeltacht.

In terms of employment creation, 2006 was the best year for Údarás na Gaeltachta since 1998, with an overall gain of 295 in the number of persons in full-time employment. At the end of 2006, 7,953 persons were employed on a full-time basis and 4,380 were employed on a part-time/seasonal basis in Údarás assisted companies.

Under the current National Development Plan, funding of €233m has been earmarked for Údarás na Gaeltachta to continue its ongoing work in developing the economy of the Gaeltacht. Sectors such as technology, natural resources and services will continue to be afforded priority, in addition to training and upskilling of the Gaeltacht workforce.