Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

284. To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht her plans to promote the Irish language; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35050/14]

Joe McHugh (Donegal North East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The 20-Year Strategy for the Irish Language 2010-2030consists of a comprehensive strategy for the promotion of the Irish language. The Strategy promotes a holistic, integrated approach to the Irish language which is consistent with international best practice. The Strategy sets out nine areas for action, including education, the Gaeltacht, the family, public services, the media, the economy, legislation and various cross-cutting initiatives.While my Department has the overarching responsibility for the Strategy, it is working in co-operation with other key stakeholders to implement the Strategy on an incremental basis. Progress is being made with regard to the systematic implementation of a wide range of measures under the Strategy within the resources available. In this regard, I would like to refer the Deputy to the progress report on the implementation of the Strategy during the period 2010-2013 and to the implementation plans published by the relevant Departments, 11 in total, in July 2013. These documents reveal a coherent approach to the implementation of the Strategy which will have a positive impact on the language in the long-term. It is envisaged that updates will be published shortly on the implementation of the Strategy by the relevant Departments over the past year.

Significant progress has been made by my own Department with regard to the implementation of the Strategy since the progress report was published last year. For example:

- The language planning process under the Gaeltacht Act 2012 is being progressed by my Department in conjunction with Údarás na Gaeltachta and Foras na Gaeilge.

- The language planning criteria were published in September 2013 and the language planning guidelines were published in January 2014.

- Priority is being given to the 26 Gaeltacht Language Planning Areas which have been recognised for the purposes of the Gaeltacht Act. Notices, which officially commence the language planning process, have been published in relation to 9 areas. Another 4 notices will be published in the autumn, with the final 13 notices being published in 2015.

- As a result of submissions received under a public consultation process, my Department will publish a list of towns shortly which could be recognised under the Act as Gaeltacht Service Towns.

- In the case of the Irish Language Networks, I understand that Foras na Gaeilge intends to announce its Irish Language Network Scheme later this year.

For the first time ever as part of the 2014 Revised Estimates, a specific allocation of €0.5 million was provided to my Department for the Strategy. This funding is being allocated towards various activities which support the language planning process on the ground. This includes support for community organisations to assist them in preparing and implementing language plans under the Gaeltacht Act 2012.

Further information with regard to the promotion of the Irish language is available on the following websites: , and .