Press release
Public consultation opens on the selection process for the Údarás na Gaeltachta Board
From Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media
Published on
Last updated on
From Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media
Published on
Last updated on
Minister of State for the Gaeltacht, Jack Chambers T.D., has today (16 February 2022) announced the immediate commencement of a public consultation as part of the review of the selection/election process in relation to the Board of Údarás na Gaeltachta, as promised in the Programme for Government. The public and interested organisations will therefore be afforded the opportunity to share their opinions and suggestions in writing with the Department in relation to the matter between now and 25 March 2022.
Minister of State Chambers also announced that the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, in partnership with the Office of Public Procurement, hopes to appoint a consultant to analyse and review the matter and to provide the Department with recommendations in relation to the best selection/election approach moving forward. Recommendations and opinions received as a result of the public consultation process shall be included with the aim of completing all work in or around July 2022.
Minister of State Chambers said:
“I am pleased that this opportunity is being afforded to the public and to interested organisations between now and 25 March 2022 to share their suggestions and opinions in writing regarding the manner in which the Board of Údarás na Gaeltachta is selected and appointed. We greatly welcome views and recommendations on the matter. The overall aim of the process is to ensure that An tÚdarás has access to the relevant and appropriate expertise and skills required for the function of the board - which is, ultimately, of overall benefit to An tÚdarás as a state body and to the community which it serves. I believe it is important that the Gaeltacht community has a voice and an input into the challenging work which the Board carries out to the benefit of An tÚdarás and the Gaeltacht Community.”
Notes to Editor
Údarás na Gaeltachta's main task is to develop the Gaeltacht economy in order to strengthen the preservation and enrichment of Irish as its main language. To achieve its objectives, Údarás na Gaeltachta, established in 1980, pursues strategic aims in the areas of industrial development, regional development, community development and language planning.
Údarás is also involved in community, cultural and tourism activities. Údarás operates under Achtanna um Údarás na Gaeltachta 1979-2010 and Acht na Gaeltachta 2012.
The Board of Údarás na Gaeltachta
The current system for composition of the board is based on a selection/nomination process. Previously, a majority of the Board members were appointed by public elections, which were abolished in 2012, when the number on the board was reduced to twelve (12) members as it is now in accordance with the relevant provisions of Acht na Gaeltachta 2012.
Under the current arrangement the board consists of five members nominated by the relevant Local Authorities in charge of a Gaeltacht area, instead of holding direct elections, as well as seven other members selected based on a public competition organised under the auspices of the Public Appointments Service (PAS). The Chairman of the Board is appointed by the Minister.
Subject to the relevant provisions of the Act, the appointment is for a period of five years – with the exception of the counties with a small Gaeltacht area, namely: Counties Cork, Waterford and Meath. In the case of these counties the appointment lasts for a period of two years and the periods follow the rota: Meath, Cork and Waterford.
As the current Board was appointed in January 2018, it will be dissolved in January 2023. This is the second board appointed under the aforementioned current arrangements. There are currently five women on the Board, the largest number of women ever on the board (equivalent to over 40%).