Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I acknowledge the work the Coimisinéir has done over a number of years. I regret that he should resign now, on what he describes as matters of policy. It is regrettable.

Notwithstanding everything that is said, I see a massive bureaucratic nightmare here under our current regulations. All public documents must be translated in every part of the country and on every occasion, when everyone knows they will not be read. There are areas where there just is a waste of money. I do not say that lightly. I would prefer translation on request, as a better option.

It is 40 years since compulsory Irish for the Civil Service was abolished. I am not sure about the workings of the replacement. I would like to ask the Coimisinéir, what is the object of the exercise at this stage, 40 years later. He speaks of developing State services through Irish. What is the ultimate development? What is the goal? We should look at Wales and Scotland, and perhaps at Wales in particular where there has been more targeting, which may be more beneficial.

Speaking of targeting, I was not aware of what the Coimisinéir describes as compulsory anglicisation of parts of the Gaeltacht. I find that surprising and regrettable. Having said that, I would like to see more practical engagement. We should have annual scholarships for young people, or indeed older people, in areas like my own constituency to go to the Gaeltacht where we would engage in the practical aspects of spoken Irish as well as the language and culture and everything that goes with it. We now have language officers in every county. I am not sure of the benefit to the people of County Laois of having an Irish language officer in Laois County Council. We saw the same thing in the HSE and in the translation of documents and signs, not only in Gaeltacht areas but throughout the country. This is particularly the case in a time of recession.

It would be unfair to say that the Irish language has been unduly or unfairly treated in our current economic difficulties. The Coimisinéir speaks of lack of staff and resources and budget cuts. That is all true but it is not something that has impacted on An Roinn Ealaíon, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta more than other Departments. It would be unsustainable for any Department to opt out of all budgetary adjustments. It would be unfair to cite budget cuts over and above general cuts made in all Departments in the past number of years.

I wish the Coimisinéir well and acknowledge the work he has done over a number of years which, in spite of what he says, is significant. I wish him well.