Mc Ginley-Gaeltacht bill is historic

Added: 20-07-2012

Donegal South-West Deputy Dinny Mc Ginley has described the passage of the Gaeltacht Bill as an historic moment for the Gaeltacht and the Irish language.

This is the first major piece of legislation regarding the Gaeltacht in over 50 years.

Today, 23,000 people use Irish on a daily basis in Gaeltacht areas

Minister of State at the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, says it has become increasingly urgent that a new legislative framework, and a new approach, is needed for the Gaeltacht and the language.

In 2007, it was revealed that Irish as a living community language had a lifespan of 15 to 20 years unless remedial action was taken urgently

Minister McGinley says Irish speakers in Gaeltacht areas will now be asked what can be done to improve the state of the language