Fáiltím roimh an deis plé a dhéanamh ar sholáthar tithíochta i gceantair Ghaeltachta. Ní chuirfidh an Rialtas in aghaidh an rúin seo maidir leis an ngá práinneach le tithíocht agus le pleananna an Rialtais an soláthar tithíochta a mhéadú go suntasach ar fud na tíre, lena n-áirítear ceantair Ghaeltachta. Le comhaontú an Tí, leanfaidh mé ar aghaidh le mo ráiteas i mBéarIa. My colleague, the Minister, Deputy Browne, has discussed in detail the suite of actions in the Government's housing action plan, Delivering Homes, Building Communities 2025-2030, that will increase the levels of housing supply and housing choice across the country, including in Gaeltacht areas. What is committed in the Government's housing plan with respect to the Gaeltacht is clear. In addition to the range of housing supports that are available nationally and the clear focus on tackling barriers to delivery, a national planning statement will be prepared for housing in the Gaeltacht. My Department will also continue to work with the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Údarás na Gaeltachta, and other stakeholders to support housing delivery, including in relation to the necessary infrastructure to support housing development in an Ghaeltacht. Considerable work has already been carried out by both Departments in developing the new national planning statement, which will be published in the first half of 2027. This will allow for a robust assessment of development proposals and implementation of any conditions that require a standard level of language competency to be demonstrated through the development management process in order to protect the linguistic and cultural heritage of a Gaeltacht area. Additionally, in relation to language standards, there is a strong link between the national plan for Irish language public services, the work of the Irish Language Services Advisory Committee and the amended Official Languages Act, all of which my colleague, the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, oversees. A significant feature of the strengthened Official Languages Act is the replacement of language schemes with language standards across the public service. To that end, a review of all existing language schemes is being finalised. An action plan for Irish-language public services was recently published, which sets out actions to be prescribed through the language standards as well as measures to support public bodies in their implementation. Consultation is to commence shortly through the mechanisms set out in the Act, starting with the advisory committee. I would also like to take the opportunity to acknowledge the important role and function of Údarás na Gaeltachta as the regional authority with responsibility for the economic, linguistic, social and cultural development of the Gaeltacht. An t-údarás operates in accordance with the Údarás na Gaeltachta Acts 1979 to 2010, as amended by the Gaeltacht Act of 2012, and has an overall objective to ensure that Irish remains the main language of the Gaeltacht and is passed on to future generations. Údarás na Gaeltachta is responsible for co-ordinating the language planning process within the 26 Gaeltacht language planning areas prescribed under the Gaeltacht Act 2012, with Foras na Gaeilge being responsible for co-ordination outside the Gaeltacht. An t-údarás and Foras na Gaeilge do not prepare language plans, rather, and in accordance with the Act, the community in every Gaeltacht language planning area, Gaeltacht service town and Irish language network must prepare a language plan for their own area so that it can be recognised under the Act. The language planning process is rooted in the practice that Gaeltacht and Irish-language communities play a central role in the promotion and strengthening of Irish as a community spoken language in their own areas. Currently, Údarás na Gaeltachta and Foras na Gaeilge support lead organisations that are recognised and representative of the public in preparing a seven-year language plan, following consultation with the public. These plans can include intentions regarding broader objectives and goals such as community capital projects, social infrastructure and services. Under the Gaeltacht Act 2012, the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht must complete a review of language plans under the language planning process. A review of the first ten language plans has been undertaken by the company Barr Feabhais Teoranta, which involves consultation with a wide range of organisations, Irish-language lead organisations and stakeholders. The review identified a number of recommendations to improve the implementation of the language planning process. The continued success of Údarás na Gaeltachta depends on its continued alignment with the changing needs of Gaeltacht communities. The Údarás na Gaeltachta (Amendment) Bill 2024 completed Committee Stage in Dáil Éireann last year. Although the re-establishment of elections to the board of an t-údarás is the main purpose of this Bill, it was decided to include a provision that would also support the provision of housing in the Gaeltacht given that this is one of the most pressing issues facing Gaeltacht communities and that the organisation is managing a significant portfolio of properties throughout the Gaeltacht. An t-údarás has, over a number of years, developed a level of expertise in providing wastewater facilities serving its network of business parks and industrial estates across Gaeltacht areas. Údarás na Gaeltachta has stated that discussions are under way with the local authorities in which there is an opportunity to work with Uisce Éireann to benefit from the existing infrastructure. Accordingly, the Bill provides for Údarás na Gaeltachta to be able to dispose of lands held by the organisation to an approved housing body or to a housing authority to provide housing in the Gaeltacht. The Private Members' motion we are discussing today proposes the reintroduction of a Gaeltacht housing grant scheme in accordance with the housing Acts. In this regard, I am informed that Government does not intend to return to the Gaeltacht housing grant schemes that were operational many years ago. However, the range of actions and significant investment in housing provided through the Government's housing action plan will also support increased housing supply in Gaeltacht areas. The Private Members' motion also proposes a stamp duty exemption for consideration. As indicated previously by my colleague, the Minister for Finance, such a measure, if introduced, would be extremely difficult to administer and control. I also understand that there could also be potential legal issues in seeking to apply such a measure that is selective on the grounds of a region and a cohort of persons. It should be noted, however, that both Údarás na Gaeltachta and approved housing bodies already enjoy stamp duty exemptions under section 25 of the Údarás na Gaeltachta Act 1979 and section 93A of the Stamp Duties Consolidation Act 1999, respectively. Furthermore, I would point to a significant level of funding that has been made available to Údarás na Gaeltachta to support the Irish language and regional development in the Gaeltacht. In 2026, an additional €2.5 million in funding was made available to Údarás na Gaeltachta to foster and expand funding a range of schemes. Overall, in 2026, €17.4 million in funding was allocated for administration, wages and pensions; €16.2 million capital to create employment, upgrade buildings and part fund strategic tourism projects; and € 7.5 million to fund community projects. This includes the appointment of a dedicated vacant homes co-ordinator for the Gaeltacht, funded by Údarás na Gaeltachta in partnership with local authorities, to help communities address vacancy issues. To conclude, I would note that the various actions and measures contained in the Government's housing action plan, coupled with the ongoing work being undertaken by the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht in support of Gaeltacht communities, demonstrate the Government's commitment of the Gaeltacht. This work will be built upon over the coming months in implementing the various cross-sectoral actions for the provision of housing and strengthening of protections for, and the promotion of, the Irish language. Obviously, many of the Gaeltacht areas overlap with many of our islands and offshore islands. I note that many of the Deputies referenced that issue as well. I wholeheartedly agree with the idea of a unique approach to housing on our islands. We have seen the success in some of the Scottish western islands where they have introduced gateway housing. This is an opportunity whereby a certain small number of units the island can accommodate are built. That gives an opportunity for people to live in them and get a taste of island life. Obviously, it is different but if they can get the opportunity to experience what it is like and if they can adapt then that gives families the opportunity to choose island life and, therefore, fill the schools. Deputy Collins referenced Cape Clear earlier. He is obviously right to highlight that issue. We have a situation where the school, unfortunately, is reducing its numbers. There has to be a concerted effort to repopulate these islands. The same can be said for many of the other offshore islands, and Deputy Ward reference that as well. There needs to be an innovative approach to how we can ensure there is an appropriate housing strategy for islands because, certainly, the islands are unique in their nature. I thank all Deputies for their comments today and for their commitment and the clear passion they have demonstrated for the Irish language. It is incredible to see it. For that reason, we will not be opposing today's motion.

Sentiment score: 0.35