Brian O'Shea
Ceist:307 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the position regarding the work of the Irish Language Forum; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7559/05]
Amharc ar fhreagraDáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 March 2005
307 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the position regarding the work of the Irish Language Forum; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7559/05]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy will be aware that the role of Fóram na Gaeilge is to advise me on: the advisability of preparing a 20-year strategic plan with realistic goals for the Irish language in the State; the short-term strategic priorities for the preservation and the promotion of the Irish language within the State; the priorities regarding the implementation of the Official Languages Act; and the best and most practical ways to achieve progress in the implementation of that work. Arising from this, it is hoped to have a more integrated approach among the main community and State organisations that promote the Irish language and a greater degree of co-ordination to their work.
Two meetings of Fóram na Gaeilge have taken place to date and a third is scheduled to take place later this month. As the Deputy is aware, I have already asked members to submit their views on the development of an Irish language plan and related short-term priority issues. A good response to this has been received from the members and officials of my Department are currently examining the various submissions.