I propose to take Questions Nos. 47, 77, 103 and 141 together.
Following the Government's decision in July to initiate a process of discussions with the other EU member states and EU institutions with a view to seeking official and working status for the Irish language in the EU, a number of bilateral discussions have taken place with representatives of other member states and EU institutions.
In undertaking these discussions, on what is a complex and sensitive matter, we have sought to identify the issues arising and the practical options open to the Government in pursuing the objective of obtaining official and working status for the Irish language.
The progress of these discussions was recently reviewed at political level and the final details of our approach on this issue have been agreed. Ireland is today tabling a formal proposal in Brussels requesting that official and working status in the EU be accorded to the Irish language and I am arranging for a copy of the proposal to be forwarded to the Deputies.
Amendment of Regulation 1 of 1958, which governs the Union's language regime, requires the unanimous approval of partners.