The last Údarás na Gaeltachta elections were held on 2 April 2005. In order to comply with the provisions of the existing legislation governing an tÚdarás, the next elections must be held on a date between 1 April 2009 and 1 October 2010. Due to the ongoing work in relation to the draft 20 Year Strategy for the Irish Language and the possible implications for the functions of An tÚdarás, I am not yet in a position to make a decision with regard to a date for the next elections. However, I am examining the case at present for bringing a Bill before the House with a view to extending the term of office of the currently elected members.
The Deputy may wish to note that I recently re-appointed three Údarás members, including the Chairperson, whose terms of office were due to expire on 18 April 2010, for a further three year period to 18 April 2013.