Michael Cahill (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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432. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the supports being put in place for the Irish language in Gaeltacht areas, to halt rural decline and support housing and social and economic development; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13646/25]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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Údarás na Gaeltachta is the body under the aegis of my Department responsible for the economic, linguistic, social and cultural development of the Gaeltacht. The body's latest End of Year Statement illustrates the progress made in linking the Irish language with the development of the Gaeltacht during 2024.

A total of 869 new jobs were created in Údarás client companies in 2024, giving a total of 9,743 jobs in client companies at year end. 2024 saw an increase in the level of employment in five Gaeltacht counties, with 29 gTeic digital hubs in operation and 465 people working across the network. In 2024, an tÚdarás launched GAIRM , a new pioneering postgraduate programme with 10 graduates along with CUMASÚ a new programme for Gaeltacht female entrepreneurs with 41 participants.

The role of Údarás na Gaeltachta, which was once dedicated to employment, has evolved over the years. Now, for example, the organisation manages the language planning process in Gaeltacht areas and a language impact assessment is carried out as part of Údarás na Gaeltachta’s assessment process for new projects.

Údarás na Gaeltachta provides a range of supports for events and activities aimed at the preservation, promotion and development of the Irish language throughout the Gaeltacht. These incentives focus on strengthening the core language support structure and exploring, planning and developing a more strategic approach to assist the Gaeltacht community.

Údarás na Gaeltachta investment in its subsidiaries and other companies, including Muintearas Teo, Ealaín na Gaeltachta and Comhar Naíonraí na Gaeltachta, support the development of youth, art and early years services in the Gaeltacht.

Housing

I understand that €250,000 in capital funding was approved by the board of Údarás na Gaeltachta at its December 2023 meeting for research as regards housing development in Gaeltacht areas. Approval has been granted in principle by the board to develop an affordable housing model for Gaeltacht areas as a result of this work in partnership with local authority stakeholders specifically. Work is ongoing on this initiative and I understand that Údarás na Gaeltachta is putting a partnership in place with the local authorities, housing and other relevant organisations to undertake the development of this model for three recognised sites in the Gaeltacht. In this context, discussions are ongoing with local authorities as well as other relevant stakeholders including my own Department and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage regarding the implementation of Údarás na Gaeltachta’s housing policy.

I should also point out that, in addition to the work of Údarás na Gaeltachta, my Department administers a number of both current and capital language based initiatives aimed at encouraging and developing the use of Irish as the language of the community in the Gaeltacht. Details of these schemes can be obtained from the government's website at gov.ie.