Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh (Kildare South, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

42. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht his plans to increase youth participation in the language planning process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22528/26]

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Gaeltacht Act 2012 provides the statutory framework for undertaking the language planning process on a coordinated basis. The public, the voluntary sector, the public sector and the private sector work together to support the Irish language in the various geographical areas as recognised under the Act. The language is supported as the community and family language of the Gaeltacht and of other areas outside of the Gaeltacht through the preparation and implementation of language plans at community level. The purpose of the language plans is the strengthening of language usage in the context of family, community, education, social, business and public affairs.

In conjunction with the Language Planning Process, my Department provides funding to a number of Irish Language organisations. These are Tuismitheoirí na Gaeltachta, Comhar Naíonraí na Gaeltachta, Muintearas Teo. and Ealaín na Gaeltachta. Language Planning Officers employed in the prescribed Gaeltacht Language Planning Areas, Gaeltacht Services Towns and Irish Language Networks work in conjunction with these organisations to further implement and develop the approved language plans and the organisations funded work programmes.

A subsidiary company of Údarás na Gaeltachta with responsibility for youth Development, Muintearas Teo is in receipt of a grant €493,000 in 2026 to enable them to commence the training and recruitment process in preparation for the roll-out of a major plan for the provision of youth services across the Gaeltacht. Subject to funding becoming available, the roll-out of this plan over the coming years will ensure a central role for young people in future leadership roles in the Gaeltacht, thus underpinning the continuation of the inter-generational transfer of the language into the future.