The Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, Mr Éamon Ó Cuív, has announced the establishment an Irish Language Advisory Committee.
The purpose of the committee will be to advise on Irish language policy in the State and to improve co-ordination amongst the main community and State organisations that promote the language.
The Advisory Committee will advise the Minister on the advisability of preparing a 20 year strategic plan with realistic goals for the Irish language.
The committee will also advise on the short-term priorities of the preservation and the promotion of the language and on the priorities regarding the implementation of the Official Languages Act.
The Minister hopes to nominate the members of the committee before Easter.