Written answers

Thursday, 27 September 2007

Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs

Irish Language

5:00 pm

Photo of Brian O'SheaBrian O'Shea (Waterford, Labour)
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Question 107: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs his proposals other than legislative proposals in regard to the Irish language for implementation in the new Dáil term; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21269/07]

Photo of Éamon Ó CuívÉamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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In line with the Government's commitment, as provided for in its Statement on the Irish Language launched in December 2006 and also in the Agreed Programme for Government, my Department is currently in the process of engaging consultants to assist in developing a 20-year Strategy for the Irish language. It is envisaged that the preparation of the Strategy will involve extensive consultation with the public and will take up to two years to complete.

The Deputy will also be aware that some time ago I commissioned a linguistic study on the usage of Irish in Gaeltacht areas. The position with respect to this study is set out in my reply to Question No. 45 on today's Order Paper.

A further priority will be to continue to support An Foras Teanga/The North South Language Body in its work in fostering and developing the Irish language and Ulster Scots throughout the island of Ireland. My Department will also continue to work closely with the Department of Foreign Affairs and with the EU Institutions in meeting the challenges arising from the official and working language status accorded to Irish since 1 January of this year.

Finally, we will continue to progress the implementation, on a phased basis, of the provisions of the Official Languages Act 2003 with the objective of ensuring that improvements in the range and quality of public services available through Irish will be achieved over time, subject to demand.

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