Údarás na Gaeltachta welcomes the recent publication of the draft 20 Year Strategy for the Irish Language 2010-2030. The strategy outlines the support framework and opportunities to significantly increase the use and knowledge of the Irish language within and outside the Gaeltacht during the next 20 years and outlines the priorities which will be put in place to achieve this objective.   

 

While the strategy contains a comprehensive range of recommendations, the more significant ones relate to education and to Údarás na Gaeltachta. Údarás na Gaeltachta will be restructured as a national Irish language agency called Údarás na Gaeilge. With regard to the current functions of An tÚdarás, the document states that “it is not therefore proposed to transfer any existing schemes operated by Údarás na Gaeltachta or the Department to other Departments or agencies, but an examination will be made of other programmes that could be delivered in the Gaeltacht by the Department and the Údarás”.

 

It is clear from the Strategy that a specific Department and Minister will be responsible for the Irish language and the Gaeltacht, and that Údarás na Gaeltachta will continue as a development agency in the Gaeltacht (under whatever name is agreed) with additional national language development functions. This amounts to a vote of confidence in An tÚdarás and the existing Gaeltacht statutory structures.

 

The strategy will now be discussed by the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Arts, Sports, Tourism, Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs before being submitted to Government for approval as a Government Strategy. Individuals and organisations can forward recommendations or amendments to the Joint Oireachtas Committee through their public representatives (TD’s or Senators).

 

The strategy will be discussed at the next Údarás na Gaeltachta Board meeting on 11th December 2009.