Léim ar aghaidh chuig an bpríomhábhar
Gnáthamharc

Irish Language.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 November 2004

Tuesday, 9 November 2004

Ceisteanna (34)

Liz McManus

Ceist:

91 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he has been involved in the recent initial bilateral discussions with representatives of other EU member states and EU institutions regarding official working status for the Irish language in the EU; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27968/04]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As I announced on 14 July 2004 on behalf of the Government, a process of discussions has been initiated with the other EU member states and the EU institutions with a view to seeking official and working language status for the Irish language in the EU under EEC Regulation 1/1958. The regulation is the legal instrument that governs the EU institutions' official and working language regime. The focus in these ongoing discussions, which are taking place at official level, with representatives of the other member states and EU institutions is on securing agreement on the practical modalities in relation to this objective. As our relationship with the EU institutions and other member states is managed by the Department of Foreign Affairs, the discussions are led by that Department.

As I indicated in reply to Question No. 230 on 5 October, once these official level discussions have progressed sufficiently to clarify the practical options and issues arising in achieving this objective, the matter will return formally to Government. The Deputy will understand why it would not be appropriate for me to make a public comment on the detail of these discussions until they have been brought to a conclusion.

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