Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 January 2017
764. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the date upon which the report by Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge on the main strategic priorities for the 20-year plan for the Irish language was submitted to her Department. [41783/16]
Amharc ar fhreagra765. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if she will confirm, noting the commitment as set out in the ministerial brief as well as the reply to Parliamentary Question No. 325 of 11 October 2016, the date it is expected that the study will be concluded by her Department on the report by Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge on the main strategic priorities for the 20 year plan for the Irish language; and if she will confirm a date for publication. [41784/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 764 and 765 together.
The 20-Year Strategy for the Irish Language 2010-2030 represents the foundation stone of the Government's policy on the Irish language. In light of the fact that the Strategy was five years in existence at the end of 2015, an open policy debate was initiated by my Department in order to facilitate feedback in relation to progress to date regarding its implementation and to identify priorities for the coming five years. As part of that process, a series of public meetings were convened, in addition to written submissions being sought from both the public and key stakeholders alike.
In order to assist in the process, the services of Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge, NUIG, were engaged by my Department to prepare a report summarising the key conclusions of the public consultation process and to identify key strategic priorities for the coming years. A draft report was submitted by An tAcadamh to my Department at the end of June 2016 and is being examined with a view to submitting it shortly for consideration by the Advisory Committee established at the beginning of 2014 to advise on the implementation of the Strategy. Following receipt of the Advisory Committee’s recommendations, it is my intention to publish the identified strategic priorities for the next five years shortly.
