I propose to take Questions Nos. 118, 149 and 150 together.
I established an advisory committee in October 2002 to advise on the actions necessary to facilitate the practical implementation, where appropriate, of proposals contained in the report of Coimisiún na Gaeltachta.
Among the issues and initiatives being considered and progressed by my Department with the assistance of the advisory committee are: the linguistic impact of planning policy in the Gaeltacht; the presentation 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 Irish language pre-school services in the Gaeltacht; and recommendations in regard to new structures for youth organisations in the Gaeltacht.
My Department has had consultations with relevant government Departments and other organisations in relation to progressing these specific issues and further discussions, where appropriate, are planned.
In addition, the general question of how best to strengthen the linguistic development of the Gaeltacht was the subject of recent discussions by the committee.
On foot of those discussions, I am commissioning a comprehensive linguistic study of Irish usage in Gaeltacht areas which will form the basis for the development of the Gaeltacht as an Irish-speaking area and for a review of Gaeltacht boundaries. The terms of reference for the study have been finalised by my Department and tenders will be invited shortly by way of open competition. I expect that the contract will have been awarded and the study commenced by the autumn. I have arranged for a copy of the terms of reference to be sent to the Deputies as soon as possible.