The State agency Údarás na Gaeltachta created just over 700 full-time jobs last year and approved another 535 posts, according to its annual review, writes Lorna Siggins. There was a net loss of 398 jobs, but the Gaeltacht development agency has set a target of another 500 new posts this year.

Its chairman Liam Ó Cuinneagan said yesterday that it aims to retain its job-creation role, while also implementing the new 20-year strategy for the Irish language.

The agency’s capital budget has been cut by 60 per cent, reducing it from €15 million to €6 million for this year.