David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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Question 14: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the expected cost of consultancy services in respect of the development of a 20 year strategy for the Irish language and the linguistic study of usage of Irish in the Gaeltacht; when he expects to publish recommendations or strategies in relation to the Irish language; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2751/09]

Paul Connaughton Snr (Galway East, Fine Gael)
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Question 21: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs when the 20 year Irish language strategy will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2709/09]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 14 and 21 together.

As the Deputies will be aware, the Government's Statement on the Irish Language 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. During the last year, my Department, in conjunction with Fiontar DCU, the independent consultants that are assisting in the formulation of the Strategy, have undertaken a wide-scale public consultation process in relation to the various elements that will be in the Strategy. In addition to the public consultation, Fiontar DCU consulted with key stakeholders in both the public and voluntary sectors as to their recommendations for inclusion in the Strategy. Fiontar were also assisted by a number of international experts in language policy issues.

A draft Strategy has now been submitted for my consideration. I anticipate that my proposals in relation to the 20-year Strategy will be submitted to Government in the near future. With regard to the consultancy service for the 20 year Strategy, Fiontar DCU were appointed through a public procurement process to advise in relation to the Strategy and the cost of their service is €299,281. With regard to the Linguistic Study of the use of Irish in the Gaeltacht, Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge, National University of Ireland, Galway, were engaged through a public procurement process to carry out this research at a cost of €525,039.