Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 443: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the progress made in relation to the Programme for Government proposal to develop the potential of language based and countryside recreation base tourism and services through the new rural development programme and through Údarás na Gaeltachta; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28659/08]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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In line with commitments in the Programme for Government, my Department has made considerable progress in relation to developing the potential of language based and countryside recreation based tourism and services.

In relation to the new Rural Development Programme, which I launched in May 2008, a total of €45.4m is being made available for this purpose under the 'Encouragement of Tourism Activities' measure of that programme. The objective of this measure is to promote the sustainable tourism potential of all rural areas through the provision of the necessary infrastructure and the development of the countryside as a recreational resource for all.

In relation to Údarás na Gaeltachta, I can confirm that strong working partnerships exist between Údarás and Fáilte Ireland, particularly through their regional offices and other tourism organisations, to optimise the opportunities provided by the tourism industry for the Gaeltacht. It may be noted that in 2007 employment figures in the Gaeltacht-based tourism sector (language, cultural & service based activities) increased by 25% over the 2006 level.

Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 444: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the progress made in relation to the Programme for Government proposal to change the law to enable Údarás na Gaeltachta to provide development services on a contract basis to non-Gaeltacht islands thus ensuring parity between all islands; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28661/08]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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I refer the Deputy to my reply to Parliamentary Question No. 193 of 14 Bealtaine 2008.

As outlined in my reply, legislative proposals in regard to the powers and functions of Údarás na Gaeltachta are being considered in the general context of the recommendations contained in the Report on the Linguistic Study of the Use of Irish in the Gaeltacht and the matter is being progressed under the auspices of a Cabinet Committee.