Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 385: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the progress made to date by Foras na Gaeilge on the development of a new official standard of Irish language grammar and spelling; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24731/07]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Statutory responsibility for promotion of the Irish language, including matters such as the development of terminology and dictionaries, rests with Foras na Gaeilge.

Earlier this year, I requested the Foras to carry out a review of An Caighdeán Oifigiúil/the Official Standard for Irish. I am informed by the Foras that it is in the process of drawing up a plan as to the most effective way of conducting the review. The existing Standard has been in use since 1958 and has served the Irish language well since then. However, in light of the rapid and ongoing developments in the texture of the living language, I think it a review is timely. This will necessarily include a comprehensive process of consultation with all interested parties, including the Irish-speaking public. As the Deputy will understand, the review is likely to take a number of years to complete. In the interim, Foras na Gaeilge, as the body with statutory responsibility in this area, can assist public bodies, Rannóg an Aistriúcháin, translators and other interested bodies with definitive advice on any particular grammatical issues that may give rise to difficulty.