Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 14 Dec 2000

Vol. 528 No. 3

Written Answers. - Irish Language.

Derek McDowell

Ceist:

23 Mr. McDowell asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage Gaeltacht and the Islands if her attention has been drawn to concerns expressed with regard to the increased use of English by official State bodies operating in the Gaeltacht; if her attention has further been drawn to concerns expressed with regard to hearings by An Bord Pleanála in Gaeltacht areas which were held in English; if she has any plans to issue guidelines to State bodies on this matter; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29992/00]

Minister of State at the Department of Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands (Éamon Ó Cuív)

I fully appreciate that improvement in the delivery of State services through Irish in the Gaeltacht and outside it is required. I have made my position clear on this matter previously and recently in relation to a planning appeal hearing. I am of the strong opinion that legislation is necessary to tackle the problem. As the Deputy is aware work is progressing on the Official Languages Equality Bill and I hope to be in a position to publish the Bill by mid-2001.