The focus will be on young people this year during the annual Seachtain na Gaeilge, a week in the run-up to St Patrick's Day when the country tries to connect with its Irish-speaking tradition. At the helm of this year's Seachtain na Gaeilge will be Maire Nic Fhinn, who grew up in Tuar Mhic Eadaigh in Co Mayo.

She says that this year's week of Irish, which falls between two Fridays, running from March 10th to the 17th, will focus in particular on young people. There will be an art competition for school children with a millennium theme to inspire them. The fact that their work will be exhibited during the week at Dublin's Club Chonradh na Gaeilge is also expected to provide some inspiration. At Leaving Cert level, students will be visited by creative writers who will talk about their work.