Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Independent)
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706. To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht her views on a matter (details supplied) regarding the promotion of the Irish language; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26000/15]

Joe McHugh (Donegal North East, Fine Gael)
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The 20-Year Strategy for the Irish Language 2010-2030is the cornerstone of the Government’s policy with regard to the language and the implementation of the Strategy is a key priority for my Department. My Department is responsible for coordinating the implementation of the Strategy in conjunction with a wide range of key stakeholders. The Deputy may be interested in the latest progress reports on its implementation, which were published last year by the relevant Departments, 12 in total, including my own Department. These reports are available at: .

My Department administers a range of Irish Language and Gaeltacht Support Schemes. In addition, Foras na Gaeilge is responsible for the promotion of the Irish language throughout the island of Ireland, while Údarás na Gaeltachta provides support for the Irish language in the Gaeltacht.

The Gaeltacht Act 2012, which forms a key part of the Strategy, provides the legislative framework for the systematic implementation of the language planning process under the Act. My Department is implementing this process in conjunction with Údarás na Gaeltachta and Foras na Gaeilge. Insofar as the Gaeltacht is concerned, 13 of the 26 Gaeltacht Language Planning Areas have begun the language planning process. It is intended to continue the roll-out of the process in respect of the remaining 13 Gaeltacht Language Planning Areas in 2015 and 2016.

Following a public consultation process, I published a list of towns which may be designated as Gaeltacht Service Towns in December 2014, with priority being given to Galway City, Letterkenny and Daingean Uí Chúis. In the case of the Irish Language Networks, Foras na Gaeilge has sought expressions of interest from organisations in areas which may be designated as Irish Language Networks.