Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 29 Apr 1999

Vol. 504 No. 1

Written Answers. - Gaeltacht Boundaries.

Willie Penrose

Ceist:

13 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands the proposals, if any, she has to introduce an order under section 2 of the Ministers and Secretaries (Amendment) Act, 1956, to alter the boundaries of the Gaeltacht; the extent of the alterations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11150/99]

Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands (Miss de Valera)

I refer the Deputy to my reply to Question No. 19 of 25 November last in which I stated that I do not at present intend to change the boundaries of the Gaeltacht. That is still the position.

I am actively preparing new policies in relation to the promotion of the Irish language in the Gaeltacht one of which the Scéim Campaí Samhraidh, I announced today. I hope to be able to announce a number of other new initiatives in the near future.

I have also asked the CSO for a detailed analysis of the linguistic patterns in the country including the Gaeltacht and when these are available further consideration will be given to language policy including the issue of the Gaeltacht boundaries and the appropriate criteria for same.