Údarás na Gaeltachta has welcomed the decision by Government that it is to maintain its current functions, particularly its employment creation brief.
An tÚdarás also has welcomed the decision to develop a new mechanism which will formalise existing co-operations between an tÚdarás and other enterprise development agencies for the purposes of attracting investment and creating employment in the Gaeltacht. An tÚdarás hopes to have a central role in the development of this mechanism in conjunction with the other agencies involved to ensure the best possible benefits for the Gaeltacht community.
An tÚdarás also welcomed this week a review by Government of the 20 Year Strategy for the Irish Language and its plan to draft a Gaeltacht Bill which will give statutory status to a new type of ‘network Gaeltacht’ outside the existing statutory Gaeltacht, and the decision to give specific statutory status to towns that provide services to the Gaeltacht community. An tÚdarás, in conjunction with the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, will now be responsible for the implementation of the 20 Year Strategy for the Irish Language in the Gaeltacht.
The board of Údarás na Gaeltachta at the meeting proposed that a system would be established that would ensure a strong democratic element in the appointment of its board.
The chairman of An tÚdarás, Liam Ó Cuinneagáin, said: “This decision by Government shows a vote of confidence in Údarás na Gaeltachta and the important contribution it has made in enterprise promotion and job creation in the Gaeltacht over the years. I also welcome the Minister’s announcement that steps will now be taken to begin the process to appoint a new chief executive for the organisation.”
