Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 26 Mar 2003

Vol. 563 No. 5

Written Answers - Irish Language.

Breeda Moynihan-Cronin

Question:

118 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. [8321/03]

Brendan Howlin

Question:

166 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the terms of reference of the proposed independent linguistic study of Irish usage in the Gaeltacht as a basis of the development of the Gaeltacht as an Irish speaking area; the person by whom the study will be carried out; when it is expected to commence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8315/03]

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

I propose to take Question Nos. 118 and 166 together.

Deputies will be aware that I established an advisory committee in October 2002 to advise me on the actions necessary to give practical implementation, where appropriate, to proposals contained in the report of Coimisiún na Gaeltachta. On foot of recent discussions by the committee, I have decided to commission a comprehensive linguistic study of Irish usage in the Gaeltacht areas. This study will form the basis for the linguistic development of the Gaeltacht as an Irish-speaking area and for a review of Gaeltacht boundaries.

The precise terms of reference for the study are currently being finalised by my Department having regard to the views of the advisory committee and it is proposed to invite tenders for the study from interested parties by way of normal public tendering procedures as soon as possible.

Other issues and initiatives being considered or progressed by the advisory committee include: the linguistic impact of planning policy in the Gaeltacht; proposals for an action plan aimed at emphasising to parents the benefits of choosing Irish as the primary household language in Gaeltacht areas;the preparation of a submission in regard to critical issues affecting the Irish language in primary and post-primary education in the Gaeltacht; proposals for the re-structuring of pre-school education in the Gaeltacht; recommendations in regard to new structures for youth organisations in the Gaeltacht; and the review of schemes which play a significant role in strengthening the use of Irish in Gaeltacht areas, namely Scéim Labhairt na Gaeilge and the language assistants' scheme.

In addition, my Department has initiated discussions with a number of relevant Departments in relation to specific issues arising out of the ongoing work of the advisory committee.

It should be recognised that the successful outcome of the recommendations of the advisory committee in general is largely dependent on the co-operation of all who have a stake in the future of Irish as a language in Gaeltacht areas, not least of which are the Gaeltacht communities as well as relevant Departments and State agencies.

Question No. 119 answered with Question No. 104.