Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 11 March 2015
22. Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht her views on the campaign to end the derogation of the Irish language in the European Union; the action her Department has taken to facilitate the Department of An Taoiseach, in making a decision on this issue; the number of times she has raised this issue with European Union representatives; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10188/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs previously advised to the House, a decision on whether or not to extend the derogation for the use of Irish in the EU institutions for a further period of time is required by December 2015 at the latest.
In that context, my Department, in conjunction with the Department of An Taoiseach, continues to be actively engaged with the EU institutions in order to formulate specific proposals on the optimal approach to the derogation. Clearly, the outcome of that engagement will inform the proposals that will be brought to Government in due course, prior to a final decision being taken on this matter.
