Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 April 2004
131 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the reason he is opposed to the development of a national Irish language strategy to map the future development and preservation of the Irish language. [11924/04]
View answer845 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs his plans to promote the use of the Irish language in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12112/04]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 131 and 845 together.
I am not opposed to the development of a national Irish language strategy. I recently announced the setting up of an Irish language advisory committee whose terms of reference include "the advisability of preparing a 20 year strategic plan with realistic goals for the Irish language in the State".
I have set out in my reply to Questions Nos. 124 and 125 on today's Order Paper further details in relation to the establishment of this committee. This is a significant initiative by me in regard to development of future policy with regard to the long term promotion of the Irish language.
I would also refer the Deputy to Questions Nos. 104 and 129 regarding the Official Languages Act 2003 — one of the most important initiatives, in my opinion, towards the promotion of the language for the past number of years. This Act will provide citizens with the opportunity to avail of a better standard of public services through the Irish language in the future.
The Deputies will also be aware that through Foras na Gaeilge, my Department and the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure in the North fosters and promotes the language on an all-island basis by supporting, financially and otherwise, those concerned with this work.
