Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 7 June 2006
294 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if there is any possibility of getting the Gaeltacht extended to an area of County Mayo from Tourmakeady (details supplied); and if there is a review of Gaeltacht areas proposed with a view to extending the existing boundaries. [21567/06]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, a linguistic study of Irish usage in the Gaeltacht, which commenced in April 2004, is scheduled for completion later this year. This important study — which is being conducted on behalf of my Department by Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge, University of Ireland, Galway, in conjunction with the National Institute for Regional and Spatial Analysis, University of Ireland, Maynooth — is examining Irish language usage in the Gaeltacht as a basis: for strengthening the linguistic development of the Gaeltacht as an Irish-speaking area; and for a review of the official Gaeltacht boundaries.
As I have already outlined in the House, all of the findings and proposals emerging from the study, including the issue of the Gaeltacht boundaries, will receive careful and considered examination on its presentation to my Department. Any proposals that may emerge on foot of that examination will be put before Government in due course.
