Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 20 February 2019
271. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the progress made on implementing all aspects of the 20-Year Strategy for the Irish Language 2010 - 2030 that are relevant to her Department and bodies under her remit; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8616/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware, my Department has overall responsibility for coordinating the implementation of the 20-Year Strategy for the Irish Language 2010-2030 which represents the state's policy on the Irish language. Since the Strategy was launched in 2010 following cross-party approval, circa €400 million has been invested by the Exchequer via my Department in support of the language and the implementation of the strategy.
This significant figure which represents year on year increases does not include exchequer investment in support of the language provided by other Government Departments, including the Department of Education and Skills.
Notwithstanding the challenges presented in advancing implementation of the strategy with significantly curtailed resources in its early years, significant progress has been and continues to be made in advancing its implementation.
Key measures include:
- The enactment of the Gaeltacht Act in 2012 and the subsequent and ongoing implementation of the language planning process set across all Gaeltacht regions in addition to Gaeltacht Service Towns and Irish Language Networks as prescribed under the Act.
- The publication by the Department of Education and Skills in 2016 of the Policy on Gaeltacht Education 2017 – 2022 and its ongoing implementation, in partnership with my Department and other key stakeholders.
- The implementation of a comprehensive Irish language training program in the public sector.
- The progression of a Digital Plan for the Irish Language.
- The development of a new English-Irish online dictionary, www.foclóir.ie, by Foras na Gaeilge.
- The decision to end the Irish language derogation in the European Union by 2021.
- The creation of in the region of 500 jobs per annum by Údarás na Gaeltachta.
A more detailed overview of the progress being made in support the language and Gaeltacht regions is provided in my Department's Annual Report as well as on my Department's website.
In order to accelerate implementation, the House will be aware that my Department published a 5 Year Action Plan for the Irish Language in June 2018 following Government approval. While the plan presents an overview of the progress made since 2010, its primary focus is on clarifying and presenting actions which will be implemented over the 5-year lifetime of the plan to further underpin the language and by extension support the implementation of the strategy.
The plan outlines more than 180 specific measures that will be implemented by over 60 stakeholders on a cross-Governmental basis over the period, while also outlining a more efficient and effective approach to monitoring progress in order to provide for greater accountability and clarity. Key to this revised approach to monitoring progress will be the publication on an annual basis of a progress report following Government approval. An oversight group, which has been tasked with monitoring progress, has already met twice since publication of the Action Plan in 2018 and minutes of its meetings will be made available on an ongoing basis on my Department's website and also provided to Coiste Oireachtais na Gaeilge, na Gaeltachta agus na nOileán.
