Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 3 Dec 2002

Vol. 558 No. 4

Written Answers. - Gaeltacht Commission Report.

Breeda Moynihan-Cronin

Question:

100 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the progress made to date in implementing the report of the Gaeltacht Commission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24461/02]

Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs (Éamon Ó Cuív)

The Gaeltacht Commission which was established in spring 2000 was presented with the overall task of making recommendations to the Government in regard to strengthening the position of the Irish language as the vernacular of the Gaeltacht community. The commission published its report in May 2002.

In order to advise me on the actions necessary to give practical implementation to the proposals contained in the commission's report, I have established an advisory committee whose recommendations will form the basis of action plans which will have deliverable targets and be aimed at strengthening the language in Gaeltacht communities.

As Minister with responsibility for the Gaeltacht it is my intention to implement, in so far as possible and within the context of the resources available to me, whatever measures are considered to be necessary and effective for promot ing and strengthening the use of Irish in the Gaeltacht.

Question No. 101 answered with Question No. 79.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

102 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the new initiatives he will take following the recent census data to attract new Irish speaking families into the Gaeltacht; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24524/02]

Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs (Éamon Ó Cuív)

Coimsiún na Gaeltachta, the Gaeltacht Commission, was established by the Government in spring 2000 with the broad remit of making recommendations regarding the strengthening of the Irish language as the primary language of the Gaeltacht. The commission's report, which was presented in May 2002 contains a wide range of recommendations in this regard. To assist me in assessing the most effective and practical means of implementing these recommendations, I have established an advisory committee which has already held two meetings.

The advisory committee's recommendations will form the basis of action plans which will have deliverable targets and be aimed at strengthening the language in Gaeltacht communities. The general issue of attracting new Irish-speaking families into the Gaeltacht will be examined by the committee in the context of the recommendations made in the Gaeltacht commission's report.