Vol. 499 No. 4
53 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands if her Department is carrying out or is involved in any research projects regarding the use of the Irish language in the Gaeltacht; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2824/99]
My Department is not carrying out or involved in any research project regarding the use of the Irish language in the Gaeltacht at present. However much useful information is available on language usage in the recent published census returns which give information for the first time on usage as well as knowledge and which supplement the information already available to the Department from its own sources. I expect to be able to make a decision in the near future with regard to the development of a language strategy for the Gaeltacht based on this information.
I should also point out that it is normally a condition in sanctioning aid to community groups in the Gaeltacht under departmental improvements schemes that each group prepares and implements a comprehensive plan with specific targets to advance the Irish language in its area.
