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Irish Language

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 13 March 2013

Wednesday, 13 March 2013

Questions (18, 115)

Charlie McConalogue

Question:

18. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if he will provide an update on the progress made under the 20 year strategy for the Irish language; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12975/13]

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Seán Ó Fearghaíl

Question:

115. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if he will provide an update on progress under the 20 year strategy for the Irish language; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13148/13]

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Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 18 and 115 together.

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.

My Department is actively engaging with a wide range of key stakeholders under the auspices of an Inter-Departmental Group, which I chair, and other high-level working groups regarding the implementation of those aspects of the Strategy that are relevant to their areas of responsibility. As a result, it is envisaged that the various key stakeholders will be in a position to publish their implementation plans for the Strategy later this year. It is also envisaged that a report on the overall progress made in implementing the Strategy to date will be published later this year.

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