Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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1034. To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the position regarding Údaras na Gaeltacht; the person-body responsible for the delivery of Údaras na Gaeltacht grant schemes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [49477/14]

Joe McHugh (Donegal North East, Fine Gael)
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Údarás na Gaeltachta is the regional authority responsible for the economic, social and cultural development of the Gaeltacht. It is important to state that, while Údarás na Gaeltachta comes under the remit of my Department, it is directed by an independent chair and board who are responsible for making decisions with regard to funding and fostering enterprise development, language, cultural and community-based activities in the Gaeltacht.

Údarás na Gaeltachta staff are dispersed regionally in offices in various Gaeltacht districts and meet clients regularly to give advice, to examine proposed projects, to discuss support for businesses and to prepare documents and recommendations for their board. I am advised that the decision-making process is by way of monthly board meetings, which decide on recommendations made by staff.