Paul Connaughton Snr (Galway East, Fine Gael)
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Question 15: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the progress on the Government's 20 year strategic plan for the growth of the Irish language; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18933/08]

Joanna Tuffy (Dublin Mid West, Labour)
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Question 17: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the number of people who attended each of the public meetings hosted by his Department relating to the Irish language 20 year strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18836/08]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 15 and 17 together.

As I indicated in my response to Questions Nos 20 and 46 on 14 February 2008, the Government's Statement on the Irish Language 2006 includes a commitment to develop a 20-year Strategy for the Irish language, which is intended to be the foundation for practical action for supporting and promoting the language, based on a modern, integrated approach. I also indicated in that response that external consultants have been engaged to advise in relation to the Strategy.

In recent weeks progress has been made on two fronts in respect of the public consultation process element of compiling the Strategy. Firstly, public meetings have taken place as follows:

Cork on 30 April — with approximately 80 in attendance;

Limerick on 1 May — with approximately 30 in attendance;

Dublin on Wednesday 7 May — with approximately 60 in attendance;

Galway on 13 May — with approximately 60 in attendance; and

Sligo on 14 May — with approximately 50 in attendance.

Secondly, a survey has been devised to facilitate input from people who were unable to attend the public meetings. This survey is available online (at www.plean2028.ie), both in Irish and English. In this regard, I would like to point out that, in order to facilitate people wishing to participate in the process but who have difficulties in operating or accessing technology, surveys can be completed in hard copy also.

In terms of the next steps in the overall process, it is proposed to commence preparation of a draft discussion document outlining principal issues for the proposed Strategy, taking into account the views and recommendations expressed by the public, both at public meetings and through the completed surveys. It is expected that this paper will be available for further public consultation in the Autumn. Thereafter, my Department will prepare a draft Strategy for my consideration and for submission for Government approval by the end of the year.