asked the Taoiseach if it is proposed to constitute any economic authority or other body specifically charged with the economic development of Gaeltacht areas or any portions thereof; and, if so, whether he is prepared to undertake that it will be staffed by persons competent to deal with the people of the Gaeltacht in their own language; and if he will ensure that any such body set up will not operate as a further vehicle of anglicisation in Gaeltacht areas.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Economic Development of Gaeltacht.
Certain measures for the co-ordination of developmental work in Connemara are being prepared, and the Deputy may rest assured that, in the implementation of those measures, there will be no deviation from the Government's policy of protecting and developing the Irish language.
Can the Taoiseach hold out any hope of the extension of these developmental measures to other Gaeltacht areas such as West Cork, Kerry and Donegal?
There is no harm in hoping. We are making a start anyhow in Connemara.
asked the Taoiseach if he will give an undertaking that any Gaeltacht development authority which may be set up in accordance with ministerial pronouncements will have its headquarters in the West of Ireland.
It is intended that the field work in connection with the measures to which I referred in my reply to the previous question will be directed from Galway.