Irish Language

Thursday, 30 May 2024

Questions (119)

Pauline Tully

Question:

119. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to detail his plans for the development of the Irish language through the bodies under his aegis such as the Heritage Council and local authorities; if he will consider introducing a dedicated funding stream for local authorities to encourage them to develop an Irish language section staffed by two full-time Irish language officers to assist in increasing the visibility and use of our native language, which is a stated objective of the Programme for Government 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24412/24]

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Written answers

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage

Responsibility for coordinating and funding the promotion of the Irish Language rests with the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media which coordinates the 20-Year Strategy for the Irish Language 2010-2030. I have no role in this regard.

Local authorities are entirely independent corporate entities having full responsibility under law for the performance of their functions. The locus of responsibility at national level for promotion of the Irish language is determined by where the policy responsibility lies, not by the fact that some services may be delivered by local authorities.