Vol. 561 No. 2
151 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs his plans for a review of the designated Gaeltacht areas, in view of recent research showing a very low level of the use of Irish in some parts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3669/03]
At a recent meeting of the advisory committee which I established in October 2002 to advise me on the actions necessary to give practical implementation, where appropriate, to the proposals contained in the report of Coimisiún na Gaeltachta, the issue of Gaeltacht boundaries was discussed. On foot of those discussions, I have decided to commission an independent linguistic study of Irish usage in the Gaeltacht areas as a basis for the linguistic development of the Gaeltacht as an Irish-speaking area and as a basis for a review of Gaeltacht boundaries. This study will be of critical importance, not least to the success of any action plan emanating from the work of the advisory committee. The precise terms of reference for the study are currently being drafted by my Department.
Question No. 152 answered with Question No. 105.
