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Irish Language Issues

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 February 2013

Tuesday, 5 February 2013

Questions (524)

Patrick Nulty

Question:

524. Deputy Patrick Nulty asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if he will provide an update on the implementation of the 20 year strategy for the Irish language; his plans to support local communities outside the Gaeltacht to promote the language in their neighbourhoods; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6057/13]

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Written answers

The 20-Year Strategy for the Irish Language 2010-2030 recognises that the implementation of the various measures contained therein requires a phased approach. While my Department has the overarching responsibility for the Strategy, it is working in co-operation with other key stakeholders, including the Department of Education and Skills, Údarás na Gaeltachta and Foras na Gaeilge, to implement the Strategy on an incremental basis, within available resources.

Priority was given during 2011 to implementing the Strategy’s establishment phase. This involved providing information about the Strategy and establishing the organisational and operational structures required for its implementation. Priority was given during 2012 to legislative matters. The enactment of the Gaeltacht Act 2012 was a significant achievement as it provides for a statutory language planning process, both within and outside the existing Gaeltacht, and for a statutory role in this regard for Údarás na Gaeltachta and Foras na Gaeilge, as appropriate. It is intended to publish a progress report this year on the implementation of the Strategy to date by the various key stakeholders.

With regard to supporting communities outside the existing Gaeltacht in promoting the Irish language in their neighbourhoods, the Deputy may wish to note that statutory provision has been made in the Gaeltacht Act 2012 for the designation of Irish Language Networks outside existing statutory Gaeltacht areas. These will be areas, predominantly in urban communities, that will have a basic critical mass of community and State support for the Irish language. Foras na Gaeilge has been given a statutory role under the Gaeltacht Act to assist communities with the preparation and implementation of language plans in order to achieve Irish Language Network status.

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