Richard Bruton
Ceist:370 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science whether he will provide additional resources for the development of spoken Irish in universities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20217/97]
Written Answers. - Irish Language.
The promotion of the official languages of the State, with special regard to the preservation, promotion and use of the Irish language and the preservation and promotion of the distinctive cultures of Ireland are included in the objects of the universities as set out in the Universities Act, 1977.
My Department has had discussions with the Higher Education Authority, Bord na Gaeilge and the Department of Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands in relation to furthering the study and use of Irish in higher education institutions. The discussions centred on three broad strands, the teaching of Irish, teaching through the medium of Irish and the promotion of the wider use of the Irish language and related activities within the institutions among the staff and students. This approach is aimed at generating improvement in all aspects of the teaching and learning of Irish. In relation to the development of spoken Irish special mention has been made of harnessing new information technologies and the desirability that each institution should have active links with Gaeltacht areas. The question of providing additional resources for the development of spoken Irish in the universities is a matter in the first instance for the Higher Education Authority in the light of the 1998 allocation to the authority.