Ruth Coppinger (Dublin West, Socialist Party)
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16. To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht her views on the Comprehensive Linguistic Study on the Usage of Irish in the Gaeltacht 2006 to 2011 by persons (details supplied); and the measures her Department will take, based on this study. [23904/15]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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The report entitled Nuashonrú ar an Staidéar Cuimsitheach Teangeolaíoch ar Úsáid na Gaeilge sa Ghaeltacht 2006-2011was published by Údarás na Gaeltachta on 29 May. The report provides an update on statistical information contained in the Comprehensive Linguistic Study of the Use of Irish in the Gaeltacht 2007 andtakes account of Census data from 2006 and 2011. I understand that the report was commissioned by Údarás na Gaeltachta to provide up-to-date information for use by organisations engaged in the preparation and implementation of language plans in Gaeltacht Language Planning Areas under the Gaeltacht Act 2012. While acknowledging that the report points out the serious challenges facing the Irish language in the Gaeltacht, it is important to understand the overall context. The 20-Year Strategy for the Irish Language 2010-2030is the corner stone of the Government’s policy with regard to the language and the Strategy is being systematically implemented by a range of stakeholders, including Government Departments, Foras na Gaeilge and Údarás na Gaeltachta. The Strategy was published in 2010, following cross-party support in the Houses of the Oireachtas and a comprehensive consultative and research process, including the Gaeltacht Commission report 2002 and the Comprehensive Linguistic Study2007. A holistic, integrated approach to the Irish language underpins the Strategy and it is evident from the progress reports that have been published to date that significant progress is being made in implementing the key areas for action identified in it.

I am very aware of the dynamics of language change and the pressure minority languages face as a result of the ever-increasing dominance of English. In this context, it is important to note that the Irish language has been afforded significant constitutional and legislative protection by the State since its foundation. In addition, the Government’s policy is to support parents raising their children through Irish in the Gaeltacht. My Department and Údarás na Gaeltachta fund a number of schemes in the Gaeltacht which support the implementation of that policy.

Finally, it is important to recognise the practical steps that are being taken by the State to improve matters. For example, the draft policy proposals for educational provision in Gaeltacht areas set out a range of potential interventions and are the basis of a consultation process currently being undertaken by the Department of Education and Skills in conjunction with my Department.