Groups air views on language plan

Representatives of Irish language groups are appearing before an Oireachtas committee this afternoon to outline their views on the Government's strategy for the Irish language.

Representatives from Comhdháil Náisiúnta na Gaeilge; Conradh na Gaeilge; Pobal; Comhluadar; TG4; Donnacha Ó hÉalaithe Uasal; and Foras na Gaeilge will submit their views on the strategy to the Joint Committee on Arts, Sport, Tourism, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs.

The 20-Year Strategy for the Irish Language 2010-2030 - issued in draft form by Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs Éamon Ó Cuív last November - proposes to more than treble the number of daily Irish language speakers by the year 2030.

It is seen by many as the first cohesive roadmap for the language likely to be adopted by Government since the inception of the State.

Speaking ahead of this afternoon's hearing, Committee chairman Tom Kitt said the meeting would provide an opportunity to examine the strategy "in conjunction with groups promoting Irish and enable those groups to outline their views".

The plan proposes that areas currently designated as Gaeltacht areas will be subject to new linguistic criteria. Those that do not meet them will cease to have Gaeltacht status and new areas may also be included in the Gaeltacht if they acheive the required standards.

Údarás na Gaeltachta, the agency responsible for the development of economic, social and cultural development in Gaeltacht areas, will be restructured as a new national Irish language agency.

The  agency -  renamed  Údarás na Gaeilge - will have responsibility for Irish language matters throughout the State, but will also retain many of its present functions. The cross-Border Foras na Gaeilge would continue in existence.

It is proposed that the plan, which will be subject to review every seven years, will be directed from a strategy unit within the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs.