James Bannon (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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Question 80: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the dates that the Cabinet committee established to consider recommendations arising out of the linguistic study of the usage of the Irish language in the Gaeltacht has met since it was established. [41580/09]

Deirdre Clune (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 94: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will provide a progress report on his 20 year strategic plan for the growth of the Irish language; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41614/09]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 80 and 94 together.

The Cabinet Committee on Irish and the Gaeltacht has met on five occasions to date – 10 April 2008, 23 July 2008, 18 February 2009, 21 May 2009 and 11 November 2009. The Deputies will, of course, appreciate that the work of the Committee is also advanced by way of bilateral meetings between Departments and the work of the Senior Officials Group that supports the Committee.

With regard to the 20 year Strategy for Irish, the position is that the draft Strategy has been under consideration by the Cabinet Committee on Irish and the Gaeltacht. It is proposed that the draft Strategy will be presented to the Oireachtas Committee on Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs for a final round of consultation before sign-off and formal publication. I hope that this will take place shortly.