Údarás na Gaeltachta welcomes the meetings held by the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, Éamon Ó Cuív, T.D. today (23rd April) with the Board of Údarás na Gaeltachta and the Board of MFG. In the opinion of An tÚdarás, the Minister clarified to the Board what his intentions are in relation to the completion of the amalgamation of both organisations, the time schedule associated with this decision and schemes that are to be transferred over to Údarás during the year. The Minister requested both organisations to co-operate with his Department in finalizing the integration and to work collectively to solve any issues.
The Board of Údarás na Gaeltachta agrees with the amalgamation objective as set out by the Minister for reasons of efficiency and for providing the Gaeltacht community with the best possible service and he recognises that a satisfactory solution must be reached regarding the employment implications of the amalgamation.
The Board trusts in the executive to accomplish this objective through the talks process which is taking place between both organisations in conjunction with the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs.
Údarás Board members informed the Minister that it is paramount for the Government to strongly safeguard Údarás na Gaeltachta as the Gaeltacht development authority at this crucial time when a strong state structure is required more than ever to ensure and protect the future economic, social and language development of the Gaeltacht. An tÚdarás was satisfied with the clarification given by the Minister regarding the discussion taking place in light of the twenty year strategy for the Irish language, about the structure of Údarás na Gaeltachta in the future and his own wish for the powers and functions of Údarás to be expanded in order to meet all requirements of the Gaeltacht community.