Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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312. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht her views on a matter concerning Údarás na Gaeltachta (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33509/23]

Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
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The proposed changes as to how the board of Údarás na Gaeltachta will be appointed from 2025 represent the implementation of the commitment in the Programme for Government to undertake a review on the matter. This review was completed in late 2022, following which Government approved the drafting of a Bill to give effect to a new approach as to the manner in which the board is constituted.

I am acutely aware of the need for the voices of Gaeltacht communities to be heard by An tÚdarás and, in light of this, it is proposed that the Bill will provide for the establishment of statutory Regional Committees to ensure regular engagement with those communities.

This provision is being made in order to implement the spirit of the recommendations of the review to add to the representation, democracy and transparency of the board in terms of meeting the needs and wishes of the public.